Sacha ‘scales’ Mount Fuji for Hft

SACHA Samms, a Community Coordinator with Luv2meetU (L2MU), Hft’s friendship and dating service, has received a medal for completing The Conqueror’s Mount Fuji Virtual Challenge, walking 46 miles in 10 days, and raising money for learning disabled adults.

Sacha, who works for the national learning disability charity, took on the virtual challenge in April which saw her venture on a 46-mile-long journey equivalent to reaching the summit of Mount Fuji – the highest volcano in Japan.

She was joined in the challenge by her poodle, Mitch, along with Newcastle members of L2MU who made sure to keep her entertained and supported along the way.

Sacha initially decided to take on the challenge as she wanted to raise money for greater day trip opportunities for L2MU club members in Newcastle, beyond local meet-ups and activities.

L2MU is Hft’s friendship and dating service for adults with learning disabilities and autism which offers a chance to meet new people, make friends, and learn new skills. The service supports learning disabled adults in becoming more involved in the local community.

By completing the Mount Fuji challenge, Sacha successfully raised over £400 for the Newcastle L2MU service which will open up even more opportunities for the local club members.

She plans to use the money raised to fund a trip to the York Dungeon, with other trips to Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura and the York Chocolate Experience among future possibilities. Sacha has also set up a fund for those who need it, to cover the costs of lunch, activities or public transport, to make joining the events that bit easier.

Sacha said:

“The Newcastle members make L2MU a fantastic friendship group, they deserve all the credit for just being their amazing selves! We have such a phenomenally supportive group of friends here in Newcastle it makes L2MU a magic place to be. We have the most fun days out.

“Thanks to everyone who sponsors me, it makes a direct difference to the lives of our fabulous club members!”

This is not the first time Sacha has completed a Conqueror challenge, having previously raised nearly £200 for L2MU club members in 2021 by finishing the 40-mile Mount Everest challenge.

Sacha also has her next Conqueror challenge lined up – The Inca Trail virtual marathon!

If you would like to support Sacha and L2MU in Newcastle, you can do so via her Go Fund Me page.

To find out more about Luv2meetU or to sign up, visit Hft’s website here or contact Gemma.Milburn@hft.org.uk.