Throughout the years at Charity Challenge we have met some amazing human beings, with inspirational stories, raising money for charities close to their hearts. We are very proud to be able to share some of their stories with you. This month we would love to introduce you to Kerry Banks (BEM) .
Kerry Banks (BEM) is one of our star challengers. Over the years she’s taken on six overseas Charity Challenges with us – and has just signed up for her seventh! Kerry is a passionate and highly active ambassador for Breast Cancer Now, as well as helping support other charities. Her hard work and inspirational outlook have led to her nomination for ITV Meridian’s Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser of the Year Award 2024. Back in 2021, Kerry Banks (BEM) was also awarded The British Empire Medal for Services to Breast Cancer.
Kerry, from Kent, began fundraising in 2006 after her close friend Julie Mortimer was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. This led to Kerry organising her first annual fundraiser, the Crocus Walk, which raised £3,500. After Julie sadly passed in 2010, Kerry has continued to fundraise every year since – through annual walks and various online and in-person events. On top of this, Kerry has also committed to completing challenging international treks every two years! In honour of her friend, she refers to all of her hard fundraising work as Julies Legacy. We caught up with the amazing Kerry below…
Which Charity Challenges have you done?
Kerry is unafraid of taking on new terrains in aid of her fundraising. She first joined Charity Challenge overseas on our Great Wall of China Discovery Trek back in 2012. Since then, Kerry has taken on some of our most popular challenges, including Trek to Machu Picchu, Saigon to Ankor Wat Bike Ride, Sahara Desert Trek and Trek to Petra. Just this September, Kerry undertook the Sumatra Jungle Challenge, for which she managed to raise an amazing £10,000 for Breast Cancer Now!
What’s been your favourite Charity Challenge so far?
The challenges I have undertaken have all been so different and each of them holds incredible memories and sections that have been really special. However, Machu Picchu Trek was one of my favourites as when we came through the sun gate and looked down at it in all its glory, it literally took my breath away and I was completely speechless (which is unheard of for me!). My most recent trek through the Sumatran Jungle Challenge is also right up there – especially when we came up close with monkeys showing us their babies – and close to the wild orangutang!
Also, through these treks, I have made lifelong friends. There are six of us that meet up every year (sometimes more), called the TTA girls. Plus, I have made new friends from Jersey… and an amazing friend I met from Canada on Trek Sahara. The friendships are all thanks to Charity Challenge and our shared passion to help others!
How much have you raised overall?
To date Kerry has raised nearly £300,000 so far for Breast Cancer Now alone. Around £60,000 of this was raised through the Charity Challenges she has completed with us throughout the years!
Fancy challenging yourself in aid of a good cause? Check out our 2025/2026 overseas challenges here.
Any special fundraising tips to share?
Don’t just rely on people donating to your page – put on events to raise money. A quiz is always a good one as you can also hold an auction, raffle and a game of heads and tails with your participants on the night and before you know it, you can raise £2000! My friend and I held a Pink Glitter Ball in the past which raised over £11,000. People love to dress up and feel special, so give them an event to do this! A music night is always a good fundraiser too!
Another good tip is to get businesses to “Sponsor a Day” of your challenge and get their logo/brand printed on a t-shirt with a message from them to wear proudly for a day on the challenge. I sold my days for £150 a business and they always sell out quick! (If anyone would like to be a business Sponsor for my Trek India – please get in touch and get in quick as they sell out really quickly).
How did it feel to be nominated for the Pride of Britain Regional Fundraiser 2024 award?
I was so surprised to be honest when I got the call from ITV, as I already get so much back mentally from my fundraising and helping others. However, I was truly humbled that people had taken the time to nominate me. So a huge thank you to anyone that did!
What’s next for Kerry?
Kerry shows no signs of slowing down. She has recently signed up to our upcoming Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek in November 2026 in aid of Breast Cancer Now – pledging to raise a minimum of £3,210.00. We can’t wait to see Kerry’s fundraising and challenge journey for this trek. Click here to donate towards Kerry’s 2026 Himalayan challenge fundraising.
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