Torquay schoolboy Barney, 12, reaches new heights in fund-raising drive

A Torquay Grammar School boy is preparing to trek high into the Himalayas to help children thousands of miles away; and he’s doing it all while funding the adventure himself.

Barney Bettesworth, 12 (who turns 13 next weekend) will travel to Nepal this April to complete a nine-day trek to Annapurna Base Camp, climbing to more than 4,100 metres above sea level in the shadow of one of the world’s most formidable 8,000m mountains.

The trek will be long, cold and physically demanding, but Barney says he is excited for the adventure - particularly because every pound raised through his fundraising campaign will go directly to the Centre for Disabled Children Assistance (CDCA) children’s home in Kathmandu.

Barney is paying for the entire trip himself, meaning donations can go straight to supporting the children who live there.

What began as a modest fundraising effort has grown into something far bigger than Barney expected. 

Setting out with an initial goal of raising “a couple of thousand pounds”, he has now raised more than £7,500 thanks to support from friends, family, local businesses and the wider community.

He says: “I honestly didn’t expect this many people would support so generously. “I’m really grateful to everyone who has donated or shared what I’m doing. People have been so kind and it means a lot.”

The cause has a special connection to Barney and his family. His father, Paul Bettesworth, a well-known figure in the business community as a member of the Bettesworths estate agents management team, has supported the CDCA children’s home for several years, helping to raise funds on previous mountaineering expeditions.

Over the years Barney has seen photographs and stories of the children living there, some of whom are the same age as him, but has never met them in person.

“That’s one of the things I’m most excited about,” Barney said. “There are children there who are exactly my age and I’ve seen them over the years through my dad’s supporting the home. I’d really love to meet them.”

Barney will complete the trek alongside his mum and dad, carrying some of his own kit as the family make the demanding journey through the Annapurna region.

“It will definitely be long and cold and quite tough,” he said. “But it’s also going to be a huge adventure and I’m really looking forward to it.”

To boost his fundraising efforts, Barney also organised a Himalayan Flag Raffle, inviting local businesses to buy £50 tickets for the chance to have their company flag made, carried all the way to Annapurna Base Camp and planted at the summit point.

The idea proved hugely popular, helping push his fundraising total far beyond his original target.

Barney is no stranger to fundraising challenges. At the start of the war in Ukraine, he organised his own triathlon which raised more than £5,000 for children affected by the conflict.

His father Paul said Barney has always been someone who enjoys pushing himself, particularly when it comes to physical challenges.

“Barney is a special, energetic kid who loves any challenge, especially a physical one,” he said. “After his previous fundraising success for children in Ukraine, I think he knew he could generate a response and wanted to do something again.

“But I’m not sure any of us expected such a wonderful level of support.

“We’re incredibly proud to see him doing something for other people, and it’s also very special that he’ll have the adventure of a lifetime while doing it.”

Despite the growing total on his fundraising page, Barney remains focused on the real purpose of the trek.

“I just hope it helps the children at CDCA,” he said. “If it makes life a bit better for them, then it will definitely be worth it.”

Donations to support Barney’s trek can still be made through his JustGiving page.