From hill climbs to night hikes, Wiltshire and Somerset communities raise funds to change young lives. The Youth Adventure Trust (YAT) is celebrating the remarkable achievement of 170 dedicated fundraisers who have taken on a YAT fundraising challenge this year, raising an incredible £22,000 to provide life-changing opportunities for vulnerable 11-16 year olds in the region.
Throughout 2025, participants have pushed themselves by taking on the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge, the Somerset Cycle or the Summit Under Stars, testing their endurance to help young people build their own resilience through outdoor adventure and one-to-one support..
Each challenge required resilience and determination:
Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge: A 10km or half marathon route through Wiltshire’s most iconic hills.
Somerset Cycle: A stunning cycling challenge of either 40km, 60km or 100km through the Quantocks.
Summit Under Stars: A night hike summiting the iconic Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons at night.
“I’ve just had an amazing time. I’d recommend it to as many people as I can and I really want to thank the people that fund it for us – thank you.” – Young Person, YAT Adventure Programme
The funds raised will go directly towards helping the Youth Adventure Trust deliver their long-term outdoor adventure programmes, transforming the futures of local young people and giving them the skills to face their own personal challenges.
“We’re delighted that so many people have chosen to take on a Youth Adventure Challenge this year. We help young people challenge themselves to achieve more than they think they can and it’s fantastic that the community has embraced that idea to raise much needed funds for the charity.” – Louise Balaam, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at the Youth Adventure Trust
Make a difference in 2026 – Inspired by the impact created by this year’s participants? If you are ready to take on your own epic adventure and help make a difference in 2026, contact Philippa – philippa@youthadventuretrust.org.uk
The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity working with vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16 years old from Wiltshire, Swindon and Somerset. We use outdoor adventure and one-to-one support to empower young people to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives.
Our programmes are long term to ensure they have maximum and lasting impact for the participants and ultimately improve their future lives. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.
Read more about our work and the impact we have on the lives of the young people we work with at www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk
Get in touch with Philippa Cox at philippa@youthadventuretrust.org.uk or 07956 934 100 if you would like any more information.
Registered charity number 1019493. Registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
