Leeds Building Society has surpassed its three-year fundraising target of £300,000 for children’s charity Barnardo’s in just 18 months.
The total was reached following a five-day Mount Toubkal climb by a team of senior leaders from the society, who raised more than £15,600 during the challenge.
Standing at 4,167 metres, Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa.
The team trekked for around eight hours a day through the High Atlas Mountains, camping in minimal conditions to complete the ascent.
The partnership between Leeds Building Society and Barnardo’s began in April 2024 under the theme Building Brighter Tomorrows.
It aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young people leaving the care system and to equip them with the tools and support needed to transition into adulthood.
Funds raised in 2025 will contribute to the development of Barnardo’s Gap Homes projects in Lincoln and Glasgow.
These purpose-built homes offer young people leaving care the chance to live independently while receiving tailored support from local Barnardo’s services.
Over the past 18 months, colleagues and members of Leeds Building Society have taken part in a range of fundraising activities, including challenge events, skydives, golf days, and a dedicated Savings Bond campaign.
Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “We’re delighted that Leeds Building Society has embraced our charity partnership with such enthusiasm, enabling them to reach their three-year fundraising target within only 18 months.
“We’re grateful to everyone involved for this incredible achievement and to all that braved the mountain slopes in support of the work we do.
“Parenting doesn’t end when a child turns 18, and for young people in the care of the state, our responsibilities cannot end there either.
“This is especially important when we know that one in three care leavers become homeless in the first two years after they leave care.”
Perry said: “Our partnership with Leeds Building Society goes beyond fundraising, making sure that the challenges faced by young people leaving the care system are voiced and heard by many more people across different platforms.”
Nikki Dixon, director of brand, marketing and corporate affairs at Leeds Building Society, said: “Climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, has been one of the most challenging and scary things I have ever done, but also one of my proudest achievements.
“Knowing that we were doing it to help young people facing far greater challenges kept us going to the summit.
“Reaching our £300,000 target so far ahead of schedule shows just how committed our colleagues and members are to supporting Barnardo’s.
“I’m really pleased to share that we are now setting our sights even higher, with a new £500,000 target, so that we can continue to make a lasting difference for children and young people leaving care.”
