Agata has shown tremendous resolve since receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. While she is now cancer-free, Agata learned during her treatment that her father had been diagnosed with incurable lung cancer. He instilled a love of hiking in her when she was a little girl, so Agata will be taking part in the Challenge for him too. She is looking forward to really living again and reaching new heights. Agata’s positivity and resilience are truly inspiring.

Geraint had surgery to remove a benign tumour which left him deaf in one ear and having to deal with facial palsy and dizziness, but this didn't stop him from taking part in endurance triathlons. With cycling now becoming a challenge, he has swapped wheels for trainers to take part in ultramarathons.

Luke is Claire’s fiancé and wanted the opportunity to join the trek not only to help her with her medical needs, but also for them to share the experience together. Having supported Claire through her cancer battle, Luke knows first-hand how miserable it can be to see a loved one suffer, so he was keen to raise money for a cause that can help others struggling with their mental health.

Izzy is a Marketing Executive at Venari Partners, working across the business to support all marketing efforts. She has been working closely on the Venari Partners Challenge and will be attending as the main organiser and to gather content. Izzy is excited to see the project come to life and share this experience with the rest of the participants.

Claire was diagnosed with stage 3 bilateral breast cancer at 39. She finished active treatment in November 2023, but lives in fear of it coming back. She recently got a new passport and wants to fill it up with stamps, and hopefully fill all the pages before she needs to renew it in 10 years time. She wants to show other cancer survivors what is possible.

Jean is a VP of a publicly traded company, and has also been a US Navy reserve for almost 30 years. She has recently returned from a six-month tour supporting war and security efforts for Ukraine. Just two weeks before she left, she lost her brother. The past year has been very challenging for her, but she is inspiring in her belief that difficulties teach you a lesson.

Matthew has had his own battles with mental health but has turned his life around. After receiving support, he gained a first-class honours degree at university and completed the Three Peaks Challenge by bicycle in support of Mind. We’re sure his love of the outdoors and fundraising experience will be assets to him in the stunning Norwegian fjords!

Dee is a Research Consultant within the Aviation & Aerospace team at Venari Partners. He was selected for his fantastic work as well as for his passion for fostering diversity and inclusion. Dee feels the Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to push himself and make positive changes for a worthy cause.

Gareth is a business owner who made work his main priority, until the birth of the his first son which made him re-evaluate his priorities. He sold his business and went travelling with his young family. Having had his own mental health challenges, he wanted to take part to make memories and take photos to show his children what is possible to achieve.

Liam has led numerous charitable expeditions for his organisation, helping to raise an incredible £1.7 million for various different causes over the years. He routinely inspires his colleagues to take part in corporate social responsibility initiatives and, having always previously been a leader on such endeavours, he will now have the chance to experience the Challenge as a participant.

Richie is our CALM ambassador for the trek. CALM are so excited to have the amazing Richie Driss on board for the Venari Partners Challenge. Not only is he an amazing ambassador for CALM, but as an ex Blue Peter presenter we can't think of anyone better to take on this once in a lifetime challenge... plus he's a regular fundraiser for CALM and even volunteered his keeper skills at a Beat the Keeper challenge at the Mental Health World Cup, so we know the rest of the team are in safe hands!