The managing director and co-founder of a Pontypool business is joining a team of business leaders who are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a youth charity.
Richard Selby MBE DL, of Pro Steel Engineering and chair of The King’s Trust Wales Development Committee, plans to take on the tallest stand-alone mountain in the world.
He is leading a team who are part of a challenge organised by Action Challenge to support The King’s Trust.
The climb will bring together a team of individuals, including Alwen Williams, fellow committee member, and Sarah Jones, director of The King’s Trust in Wales.
The expedition will take place from 22 February to 4 March 2026, and aims to raise £150,000 to £200,000 to support the charity’s work across Wales.
They aim to reach the summit on St David’s Day and are calling on others to join them in taking on this life-changing challenge. There are up to ten additional places available for those who want to take part and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Richard said: “We wanted to mark this milestone anniversary with something bold and meaningful. This challenge reflects the spirit of The King’s Trust and the determination of the young people that we support. By coming together to take on this trek, we’re raising vital funds that will help even more young people across Wales build more secure futures.”
50th anniversary
The climb forms part of the lead up to The King’s Trust 50th anniversary in 2026. The charity has a fundraising target of raising £1 million in Wales by 2028.
Among the stories that inspired the team is Adey’s. Adey arrived in the UK alone at 16 after fleeing her home in Eritrea. Introduced to The King’s Trust through her social worker, Adey took part in The King’s Trust Explore programme and began rebuilding her life in Cardiff.
She has since overcome significant challenges, including gorge walking and outdoor pursuits of her Trust journey, and is now thriving at school studying six subjects and planning to go to university.
Sarah Jones, director of The King’s Trust Wales, said: “2026 marks the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust, and it’s a moment to both reflect on the progress we’ve made and recognise how much further we must go. In Wales, we’ve already helped thousands of young people like Adey overcome significant challenges and build brighter futures, but the need for our work is greater than ever.
“Taking part in this challenge is a personal way for me and others taking part, to reflect on that journey and give back. We ask a lot of our young people to step outside their comfort zones, and this is our way of doing the same.”
Join the team or make a donation
Action Challenge are still welcoming new participants and supporters. Whether by joining the team, donating, or simply cheering them on, every contribution helps make a difference.
Email [email protected] or donate through the team’s JustGiving page.