By Kat Everton on September 29, 2025
Battling 75mph winds, -5°C temperatures and horizontal rain, our Spirit Health team faced 1,345 meters of sheer determination – the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. But this climb was about more than just reaching the summit; every step was taken to raise funds supporting mothers, newborns, and families in underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa through the Spirit Health Foundation.
Reflecting on the challenge, Chris Barker, Spirit Health’s CEO, said:
“Climbing the equivalent of 700 flights of stairs was no small challenge, but it pales in comparison to what families face across Africa without access to healthcare. The work of the Spirit Health Foundation is more vital than ever and just 7p can screen one mother or baby for a preventable disease. I’m incredibly proud of our team and everyone who donated to support this life-saving cause.”
Jessica Stewart, Operations Manager, added:
“Ben Nevis tested us with stunning views and nightmare weather, but what an incredible experience! Taking on this challenge for the Spirit Health Foundation where even 7p can change the life of a mother or baby made every step worth it. At the toughest points, the thought of saving lives and reaching the summit kept me going. I couldn’t have done it without our amazing team – some of us only just met, yet we’ve made lifelong friends.”
Alison Myers, Customer Services Manager, commented:
“It started at 8.00am all sunshine and smiles… 2.7 miles in that soon changed with grit blowing in our faces constantly, but we ploughed on to the top. It truly was a gruelling, valiant effort by all. Every single donation has been worth every penny. With a very sore bruised toe I am now on route back to reality!”
Returning to base, the team celebrated in true Spirit style – with smiles, stories, and a well-deserved drink and good food. It was the perfect way to close an unforgettable experience.
The Impact
Thanks to the generosity of colleagues, friends, and family, Spirit’s climbers have raised over £17,500 (so far!) – and the impact is enormous:
- 250,000+ life-saving screenings now reach families in need.
- Local health workers are equipped with smart technology, enabling early diagnosis and care in remote areas of Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Eswatini.
- Mothers and babies receive critical interventions to prevent deaths from treatable diseases such as HIV, TB, heart disease and cancer.
Join the Cause
Our JustGiving page is still open (for another week or so) if you’d like to support the cause:
Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.
A huge well done to our climbers and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported this journey. Together, we’ve shown that even the highest peaks are conquerable when we climb for a life-saving cause.
