The Venari Partners Challenge 2025 to Colombia!

During her teenage years, Sophie lost her older brother to suicide. Not long after, she was diagnosed with Hydatid disease and underwent major surgery. Despite these challenges, Sophie returned to university – only to experience another devastating loss, as her younger brother also tragically died by suicide. Through extraordinary strength and determination, Sophie completed her psychology degree. Now, she’s honouring her brothers’ memory by fundraising for a cause close to all of us at Venari Partners: CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a leading charity dedicated to suicide prevention.

After long struggles with mental health, Lucy found a new lease of life through volunteering with the Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP), which supports people experiencing and/or at risk of homelessness, addiction, and mental health problems. She now works for the charity as Business Relations Manager and Deputy Service Delivery Manager and wants to challenge herself trekking in solidarity with the people that WSUP serve. What better way to do so than by through an adventure through Colombia!

After a long battle with complex epilepsy, Laura’s son Jude died suddenly and tragically at the age of seven in 2021. His loss sent shockwaves through the family, but Laura, a consultant anaesthetist, was determined to bring something positive from the devastating circumstances. She has paid tribute to Jude’s memory by raising over £100,000 for both Young Epilepsy and Julia’s House. Laura’s husband and daughters will cheer her on as she raises money for these charities again through the Venari Partners Challenge.

Londoner Josh has benefited significantly from Westminster House Youth Club. With young people in his area facing numerous challenges, Josh has emerged as a role model for his peers through his community spirit. Having been a volunteer youth leader and currently working towards a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award through Westminster House, Josh will continue his trojan efforts for the community centre by fundraising for them in the jungle.

Jenny, a passionate nurse, is recently back in action after a tough period with work-related stress. She has also been struggling with grief and depression after the loss of her dog, which had previously been a priceless source of support for her mental health (even once saving her life). Having travelled extensively and fundraised for charity through various hikes and running events, Jenny is looking forward to pushing her limits in Colombia for Papyrus, a suicide prevention charity for young people.

Hannah has endured some of life’s most painful challenges - addiction, mental health struggles, and profound grief. Yet through it all, she never gave up. Her resilience was strengthened by the support she received from Stable Lives, a mental health charity that uses horses and land-based activities to help people in crisis. Hannah’s journey came full circle when she joined the organisation, dedicating herself to helping others heal. Now, she’s taking her commitment even further by fundraising for Stable Lives in Colombia – a powerful way to give back to the charity that helped her rebuild.

An army medic, Kyle was nominated on behalf of his family, who have demonstrated extraordinary resolve in very challenging times. His daughter has a life-limiting condition new to science, but Kyle, his wife, and two sons (both of whom have their own battles) have faced the constant uncertainty with so much love and positivity. Kyle is reconnecting with the wilderness by fundraising for the children’s hospice, Julia’s House.

Craig has shown true resilience to come through a long and arduous battle with ulcerative colitis. During his darkest moments it was difficult for him to imagine a return to the active lifestyle he previously loved, but Craig’s journey of recovery – with his family constantly by his side – has been nothing short of revelatory. A mentor to at-risk children and teacher of non-violent communication, Craig will continue this noble work by raising money for the JHF charity, which supports vulnerable young people.

Craig’s son Ezrah tragically died three years ago. Craig had lost his father shortly beforehand and admits that it has taken a lot of soul-searching for him to feel comfortable socialising and living again. Craig and his wife, Sarah, raised over £82,000 in Ezrah’s name for children’s charities and sees the Challenge as being the key next step in his healing journey. He will pay tribute to his son’s memory by raising money for The Grand Appeal, the charity for the Bristol Children’s Hospital, where Ezrah sadly died.

Leighton was part of the first ever Venari Partners Challenge to Petra in 2023, selected for the incredible resilience he demonstrated after his baby daughter Effie was diagnosed with one of the world’s rarest cancers. He has supported her and his family through intensive chemotherapy and numerous surgeries – and, by raising money for the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, Leighton can aid an organisation that has directly helped Effie. Despite their challenges, Leighton and his family are determined to instil their love of the outdoors in their kids – and he is thrilled to be back leading a campaign that helped him to regain his taste for adventure at a difficult time in his life.

A native of Cape Town, Grant joined Venari Partners’ finance team in 2022. He holds over 10 years’ experience in managing accounts and ensuring efficient financial operations. Outside of work, Grant enjoys watching sports, practising taekwondo, and outdoor pursuits. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his young family, cherishing every moment together. His commitment to discipline, loyalty and teamwork extends beyond his career into everything he does! Grant will fundraise for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), a suicide prevention charity.

Marina joined Venari Partners in September 2023 and is currently a Research Consultant for the aviation, travel, and hospitality sectors, assisting an array of organisations to identify, attract, and retain international leadership talent.​ Originally from Montreal, Marina graduated with a double Masters’ degree from Columbia University and London School of Economics in International and World History, where she developed extensive research skills. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an avid violinist and participates in all things arts and culture. You’ll often find her gallery-hopping on Sundays and taking that inspiration for a quiet painting session in the evening. Marina is fundraising for Women for Women UK, a charity that offers training, education, and support to women survivors of war and conflict.