YMCA Cardiff team reach Mount Toubkal summit and exceed £10,000 fundraising target

A team of fundraisers from YMCA Cardiff has successfully completed an overseas trekking challenge to Mount Toubkal in Morocco, raising more than £18,000 and far exceeding the £10,000 target to support youth work across Cardiff and the Vale.

The challenge saw participants take on Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, standing at 4,167 metres. The trek was a significant physical and mental undertaking, with the team facing long days on difficult terrain, challenging altitude, very basic sleeping conditions, illness within the group and ice and snow towards the peak of the mountain.

Despite the tough conditions, the team showed incredible determination and teamwork, supporting one another throughout the challenge and successfully reaching the summit.

The challenge was YMCA Cardiff’s first overseas fundraising challenge and was led by Chief Executive Officer Andrew Templeton and Chair of Trustees, Dan Coles. It brought together a committed group of supporters who took on the trek not only as a personal achievement, but as a way to raise vital funds for local young people.

YMCA Cardiff delivers a range of youth services which provide safe, welcoming spaces for young people, alongside trusted support, positive activities and opportunities to build confidence, skills and resilience. These services include open access youth provision, support for young carers and targeted projects helping young people navigate relationships, wellbeing and their futures.

The Morocco trek also gave participants the opportunity to experience the landscape, culture and communities of Morocco, with moments of sightseeing and reflection alongside the climb itself. For many, the trip was a once in a lifetime experience, made even more meaningful by the cause behind it.

Speaking about the challenge, YMCA Cardiff said:

“We are incredibly proud of the whole team for completing this challenge and almost doubling the £10,000 fundraising target. This was not an easy trek. The group faced difficult terrain, altitude, illness, basic sleeping conditions and ice and snow close to the summit, but they kept going and supported one another every step of the way.

“To know that 100% of the money raised will go directly towards our youth work makes the achievement even more special. These funds will help us continue providing safe spaces, trusted support and meaningful opportunities for young people across Cardiff and the Vale.”

Following the success of the Morocco trek, YMCA Cardiff will soon begin planning its next overseas adventure. Anyone interested in taking part in a future challenge can register their interest by contacting enquiries@ymcacardiff.wales

The team would like to thank everyone who donated, shared the fundraising page, encouraged the participants and supported the challenge from start to finish. The success of the trek has shown what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to making a difference for young people.