This year, university students from across the UK have taken on incredible challenges all in support of Chance for Childhood. From trekking to Everest Base Camp, to skydiving and road tripping to Dubrovnik, they have challenged themselves and raised exceptional amounts for children in vulnerable situations! 

Ewan is a student from Exeter, who trekked to Machu Picchu this summer. He raised an incredible £1,695 for Chance for Childhood and we asked him some questions about his experience… 

Machu Picchu Trek:

1. Do you have a favourite memory or highlight from the trek? 

My favourite moment was definitely exploring the markets in Cusco, it was amazingly vibrant and busy, with lots of friendly people. Trying some strange fruits from the market was also a highlight. 

2. What was the most challenging part of the journey and how did you overcome it? 

For me the hardest part wasn’t the weather or the low oxygen, it was the 5am starts. But we immediately felt better after having some coca tea and seeing the sunrise. 

3. How did it feel when you finally reached Machu Picchu? 

Reaching Machu Picchu was a bit of a surprise, instead of the usual sunny view that you see in photos, we were surrounded by mist, I felt like we were on a floating island in the sky, with a village on top. It was beautiful. 

Fundraising for Chance for Childhood:  

4. How did you go about your fundraising? What creative ideas did you try? 

To fundraise, I took donations for doing people’s street caricatures. I also did two bake sales at my university. 

5. Did you discover any tips or tricks that helped you hit your fundraising target? 

I have lots of tips. I learnt from cake sales that lots of people are willing to help, you can recruit friends to actively advertise your cause (and the cake) to people passing by. Also, make the cake look so good that people can’t ignore it. 

6. Did you learn any new skills through the fundraising process? 

I learnt from doing street caricatures to use big signs, whiteboards are good, write something to draw people’s attention. I’d also say, sometimes it’s best to just go out and just make your plan happen on a whim, however funky the idea is. The second time you do it; it will be even better. 

7. How does it feel knowing that your fundraising is helping vulnerable children? 

The fact that the money raised was going to such a great cause made fundraising even more enjoyable.  

8. What would you say to another student who’s thinking about signing up? 

It’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on, the fundraising is fun, the trip is fun, and you’ll grow as a person. All while raising money for charity. 

9. If you had to describe your experience in three words, what would they be? 

Action-packed, inspiring, cool😎 

Thank you so much to Ewan and to every student who has supported us this year!