Isle Of Wight Woman Raises £6,000 For Charity After Completing 'Brutal' Trek To Everest

Sabiane Grant, a 30-year-old Team Manager at Co-op in Ryde, Isle of Wight, has successfully completed the iconic trek to Everest Base Camp, raising over £6,000 for Barnardo’s in partnership with Co-op.  

Co-op colleagues, members and customers are raising £5 million to support the positive futures of 750,000 young people across the UK, in partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Sabiane, who has worked for Co-op since 2012, was inspired to raise funds for the partnership by taking on a grueling, 12-day trek to Everest Base Camp.

“My parents split up when I was young, so I understand how important it is to have support when things get tough,” she said.

“I never felt like I was missing out and had a wonderful childhood, but I know it can’t have been easy for my Mum raising four kids.

"Co-op and Barnardo’s are giving young people a place to go and get support with their mental wellbeing, as well as learn the skills they need to thrive. Things like that make a massive difference for families.”

Once signed up, Sabiane embarked on an intense training regime, including strength training and walking as often as possible.

Fundraising provided an additional challenge, with a daunting target of £6,000 adding to the weight of self-induced expectation.

Fortunately, with the help of colleagues, Co-op Members, local businesses, friends and family, Sabiane hosted numerous tombolas, raffles and other events to eventually surpass the target.

Sabiane subsequently embarked upon her adventure to Nepal, where she joined a group of fellow trekkers for the 17,600-foot ascent to Everest Base Camp.

The physical demands of the trek, combined with challenges of high-altitude climbing with less than 50% oxygen levels, tested Sabiane’s limits.

“It was tough,” she admitted.

“The climb was brutal, especially the steep sections.

"But I was determined to keep going – for myself, and for the young people that this partnership supports."

The journey to Base Camp included several days of challenging trekking, with Sabiane experiencing moments of doubt and exhaustion.

Sabiane’s journey was made even more personal by the memory of her late grandparents, whose photo keychains she carried with her throughout the trek.

“I had them with me every step of the way,” she said.

“My grandad Pop always encouraged me to get outside and keep going – you just need to put one foot in front of the other.

"He used to say, ‘You can do anything if you put your mind to it.’ I kept thinking of him when I wanted to give up.”

On reaching Base Camp, Sabiane was overcome with pride.

“It was surreal to stand there, at the foot of Everest, after all the hard work and struggles along the way.

"I was so proud of myself for pushing through – and grateful for the support of my fellow trekkers and the Sherpas, who were incredible.

“It’s been an incredible experience, coming back to home comforts and my dog, Marley, has been great, but I’ve learned so much from this journey – about myself, my limits, and the importance of supporting a cause that makes a real difference.”

David Luckin, Head of Community Partnerships, Funding, and Impact at Co-op, said:

“We’ve partnered with Barnardo’s to raise £5 million to support positive futures for 750,000 young people in communities across the UK.

"None of that would be possible without people like Sabiane.

"We’re grateful to Sabiane and to all our colleagues, members and customers for making donations to the partnership – helping us raise over £3.5 million so far.”

Louise Meadows, Senior Relationship Manager at Barnardo’s, added:

“We are deeply grateful to Sabiane for her extraordinary fundraising efforts.

"Her journey to Everest Base Camp will help us provide vital support to children and young people across the UK."

To donate, access support, or learn more about the partnership, visit www.coop.co.uk/SupportYoungPeople