From exploring diverse desert landscapes in the heat to stargazing at night at camp in the cold, this journey has been truly unforgettable. One of the things that has made this journey so unforgettable is the inspiring people I have met along the way, both within EY and other adventurers on the trek. I wanted to take part in a charity trek so I could challenge myself in a new environment whilst also raising money for such an important cause - to support young people from low-income backgrounds get the chance they deserve to succeed in the workplace. I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support from donors, friends, family, colleagues at EY, and the amazing EY Foundation team, who have made this trip possible and helped me to raise almost £1,500 for an incredible charity.

I took part in the challenge to test my fitness levels (basically goaded by my exercise buddies and team who know that I work out regularly), determination (I have a fear of mud/dirt and heights) and also as my personal commitment to make sure I participate in at least one Ripples/EY Foundation event per year as part of building a better working world. What I gained from the experience: new friends, a sense of accomplishment in crossing the finish line with said new friends, and being the top fundraising team (with a sense of relief that we got through it together).