Venture Forge CEO Andy Banks’ Mount Toubkal climb (6–9 Feb 2026) is raising funds for The Light Fund.
Andy Banks Mount Toubkal climb (6–9 Feb 2026)
Venture Forge is supporting The Light Fund as our Charity of the Year in 2026. To kick things off, Andy is taking on a major endurance challenge — climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa and fundraising for The Light Fund as our first official activity.
Challenge dates: 6–9 February 2026
Fundraiser link: Click here
Why The Light Fund
The Light Fund is a charity founded by members of the UK licensing industry. It funds practical projects that support children, women and men.
Since 2004, The Light Fund has raised over £2.6 million, supporting 200+ charities and good causes. In 2025 alone, it raised £282,000 and supported 51 charities — funding everything from neonatal equipment and cancer support services to mental health helplines, emergency disaster relief, and community programmes that protect and empower young people.
As a business that works closely with brands operating in and around the licensing ecosystem, this partnership is a natural fit, and something we want to show up for consistently throughout the year.
The challenge: Mount Toubkal (6–9 Feb 2026)
Mount Toubkal is a fast, demanding climb. Altitude, cold temperatures, and steep terrain make it a proper physical and mental test — not just a hike.
Andy already had this trip lined up, but using it to launch our Charity of the Year partnership gives us a clear, credible way to raise money and build early momentum.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll share:
- Training and prep updates
- Fundraising milestones
- How the wider Venture Forge team will get involved across 2026
What’s next: Everest Base Camp (Spring 2027)
Andy is also committing to a second challenge: Everest Base Camp in Spring 2027 — a multi-day expedition at high altitude that tests resilience, recovery, and consistency over a long period.
How you can support
There are two simple ways to help:
Share the fundraiser
If you can’t donate, sharing the link with your network is just as valuable.
Donate
Even a small contribution helps fund projects that make a tangible difference.
What’s next for Venture Forge and The Light Fund
Andy’s climb is our first fundraiser, but it won’t be the last. Throughout 2026, we’ll support The Light Fund through:
- Team fundraising activities (virtual-friendly so everyone can take part)
- Participation in Light Fund events
- Partner and community support where we can add value
We’ll share progress updates through the year — including totals raised, upcoming activity, and ways to get involved.
Thank you to everyone supporting Andy’s fundraiser and The Light Fund this year.