Our Story
Established in 2012 we are a not-for-profit run by the charity Dig Deep. We care about people - the lives that we transform together in Kenya through your fundraising, the local people who make your challenge happen, and you. We don't pay for the profits of UK middlemen. This means the registration fee that you pay is the most affordable and our fundraising target is the most achievable of any comparable fundraising challenge.
Support and Welbeing
We have been in your shoes. We are not asking you to do something we haven't done ourselves. All of our team have successfully taken on multiple challenge events themselves and so are best placed to provide the support you need.
We're here for you when you need us. We care about your well-being. We know that fundraising can be daunting, but the rewards are more than worth it. We've been there, and we're available for a natter if ever you need to unload.
You can do it, and you don't need to take our word for it. You will join the Dig Deep family of successful past and current fundraisers, who will be there to offer support, advice and encouragement. You don't need to find a friend to sign up with you because you'll be joining a much bigger community.
Personal and Professional Development
You will gain valuable experience and skills. In, amongst other things, events management, recruitment, marketing, fundraising, organisation, communications, logistics and public speaking. All this will help you develop your CV and give you a way to stand out from the crowd at interview.
You will have exclusive opportunities to intern with Dig Deep. We offer our fundraisers opportunities to broaden their experience and develop professional skills.
We can offer careers advice for progression into the third sector. We will make you aware of graduate opportunities, are happy to act as references for you when making job applications and offer an insight into what it is like to work for a charity.
Safe and Ethical
For all of our challenges safety is paramount. For example, we have provision for one crew member for every climber on summit night of our Kilimanjaro climbs, ensuring we achieve over 90% success rate of fundraisers reaching the summit.
We're committed to ensuring our ground staff receive fair wages and treatment. This approach has led to us being awarded Partner for Responsible Travel status by the Kilimanjaro Porters' Assistance Project (KPAP), the only UK charity to receive this award. Find out more about KPAP here.
We won't let you down. All of our challenges are covered by our comprehensive risk assessments which comply with British Standard 8848. Additionally, Dig Deep is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and adheres to their guidelines.
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Simon Franklin
Operations and Mass Participation Events Manager
Simon climbed Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya alongside completing a PhD in Sports and Exercise Science at Birmingham Uni before joining Dig Deep full time in 2017.
His fundraising experience stretches back to 2013 where he first organised charity football and netball tournaments for his Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge.
As the Operations and Mass Participation Events Manager, he is responsible for the Dig Deep Challenges program of events and organises all of the challenge logistics to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable challenge experience.
Simon also climbed Kilimanjaro for the second time in 2019 where he proposed to his fiance at the summit!
Harriet Brass
Communications and Engagement
Officer
Whilst completing her degree in Human Geography, Harriet climbed Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya for Dig Deep with most of her fundraising being done with the help of her family through social events, often orientating around food.
Harriet has completed an MA in International Relations and joined the challenges team in July 2019.
She loves reading and hiking, and having a good old chin wag.
As the Communications and Engagement Officer she is on hand to ensure all of our fundraisers have the information and fundraising opportunities they need to succeed!