Celebrity supporters to climb Kilimanjaro in celebration of Kidscape’s 40 years
Andrew Barton and Dan Lustig among 40 climbers taking on Africa’s highest peak.
London, 8 September 2024 – Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and Gogglebox star Dan Lustig are among the famous faces preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2026, marking 40 years of Kidscape’s work protecting children from bullying and harm.
They will join Kidscape Ambassador and adventurer Josh Braid, as well as Carol Sorbie, wife of the late celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie MBE, and 35 other supporters in tackling Africa’s highest peak - a gruelling 5,895-metre climb.
The expedition, delivered by Uncharted Summits and supported by Bright Cause Consultancy, was officially launched on 8 September at a spectacular VIP event at The House of Keune by Bloom in London. On the night, organisers also announced plans for a powerful documentary that will follow the climbers’ journey from training to summit.
Produced by Many Makers, the film will tell the human stories behind the climb – capturing the physical challenge, personal motivations, and the cause driving participants forward. It will spotlight the mental and emotional resilience needed to complete the trek, drawing parallels with the resilience Kidscape builds in children. More than a mountain, it will be a story about community, courage, and creating lasting change for children facing bullying.
“As a child, every day felt like a mountain climb as I did all I could to avoid the bullies that made my life hell,” says Kidscape Ambassador Andrew Barton.
“Scared, feeling alone and hiding, I lost much of the joy of childhood. But when I found the hairdressing salon as an apprentice, I discovered a safe space - I’d found my tribe and no longer had to hide. The salon has been my home ever since, and we are so thrilled to be inviting wonderful people to join us in creating awareness through our trek to Kilimanjaro in aid of Kidscape, the charity I’m proud to support as an ambassador.”
Funds raised from the Kilimanjaro trek will directly support Kidscape’s important work and their mission to keep children safe from bullying and harm.
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Notes to editors:
About Kidscape: Founded in 1985, Kidscape provides practical support, training, and advice to challenge bullying and protect children. The charity works with children, families, schools, and communities to help keep children safe from harm.
Contact for interviews/images: abi@brightcause.org.uk
Launch photography available on request (credit: Bright Cause PR).
Trek takes place on 30th January 2026, with 40 participants marking 40 years of Kidscape.
Expedition partner: Uncharted Summits unchartedsummits.world
Documentary: Many Makers manymakers.co.uk
Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the production and distribution of the documentary - please contact lucy@brightcause.org.uk for details.
