A journey from base camp to the roof of the world, raising vital funds and awareness for Hospitality Action - the charity that catches our industry when it falls.
Hospitality is an industry built on service, passion, and grit. But behind the smiles and "service with excellence" lies a darker reality:
76% of hospitality workers report experiencing mental health issues during their careers.
Yet many feel they have nowhere to turn.
That's where Hospitality Action steps in - offering emergency grants, mental health support, addiction services, debt advice, and a 24/7 helpline for hospitality workers in crisis.
Since 2020 alone, they've awarded over £5 million in grants and supported more than 15,000 households.
But they can't do it without us.
Because summiting Everest is exactly what it feels like to survive in hospitality some days.
The altitude. The thin air. The exhaustion. The doubt. The pressure that never lets up.
Every step toward the summit mirrors the daily grind our industry knows too well. But here's the difference: on Everest, you have a support team. Oxygen. A route. A plan.
Too many in hospitality are climbing without any of that.
This expedition is a rallying cry:
You are not alone. Your struggle is seen. And help is here.
Every donation - no matter the size - directly supports hospitality workers facing their darkest days.
Your contribution helps fund:
Donating is simple, fast, and 100% secure. JustGiving sends your money directly to Hospitality Action - no middleman, no delays. Every pound goes further.
Your generosity could be the lifeline someone desperately needs.
This isn't just a fundraiser - it's a movement. And forward-thinking businesses have a unique opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary.
By sponsoring Service to Summit, you're not just supporting a cause - you're aligning your brand with resilience, purpose, and the heart of the hospitality industry.
Be part of a world-class expedition - without the premium investment.
What's Included:
Logo on the Service to Summit Flag
Your business will be physically represented on the mountain. This is REAL support - not just a like, share, or hashtag.
Name included in Base Camp Journal
Sponsors are part of the journey through regular updates from Base Camp. This gives your business a place inside the story, not outside it.
Sponsor Shoutout
Across Forked Up socials and Calum's personal channels - your business gets recognition and visibility in a community that values support and action.
£1,000 = £500 DIRECT to Hospitality Action
This shows your commitment to the industry - and people love seeing businesses take real action.
Go to the summit. Become an Everest Champion.
What's Included:
YOUR OWN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE TO SUMMIT FLAG
Carried by Calum to the summit - your brand at the top of the world. Framed and presented back to you upon return.
Branding on Calum's Summit Suit
Seen in summit photos and media coverage.
A Keynote Talk or Event Appearance
Post-expedition, Calum delivers a talk or appears at your event - sharing the story, lessons learned, and the impact your support made.
Company Merch
Calum will be able to arrange with you to take some of your merch and promote you at Base Camp and on the mountain. Multiple influential entrepreneurs and influencers are on the mountain at any time.
£10,000 = £5,000 DIRECT to Hospitality Action
This is your chance to own a piece of history - and make a profound difference.
Let's talk. I'd love to explore how we can craft a partnership that works for your business and amplifies this mission.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp (17,600ft). Adjusting to altitude. Meeting the team. Preparing mind and body.
Climbing through the infamous Khumbu Icefall. Ascending to Camps 1, 2, and 3 to acclimatise.
The final ascent. Through the Death Zone. To the summit of Mount Everest.
Every step will be documented.
Every struggle shared.
Every victory celebrated - together.
I'm a restaurant owner, hospitality coach, mental health advocate, and someone who's seen firsthand what this industry demands - and what it costs.
I've spent years working with hospitality professionals, helping them find clarity, strength, and sustainable success. I've witnessed burnout. I've seen talented, passionate people walk away - or worse, stay and silently crumble.
Service to Summit is my way of taking the conversation to the highest platform on Earth - literally - and saying:
"This industry matters. These people matter. And we're going to do something about it."
For nearly 190 years, Hospitality Action has been the safety net for our industry.
They don't judge. They don't delay. They just help.
And right now, demand is higher than ever.
Whether you donate £5 or £5,000, sponsor the expedition, or simply share this page - you're part of the climb.
Because when we reach the summit, it won't just be me standing there.
It'll be every chef, server, cleaner, manager, and hospitality hero who refuses to give up.
Let's take the spirit of service - from the kitchen to the summit.
Let's discuss how your business can be part of this once-in-a-lifetime project.
One mountain. One mission. One industry worth fighting for.
Thank you for standing with me - and with every person in hospitality who needs to know they're not alone.
Let's climb this together.
- Calum Richardson
Hospitality Action is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1101083). All donations go directly to supporting hospitality workers in crisis.