A team of Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance supporters have completed an extraordinary fundraising adventure through the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, raising more than £500,000 ($650,000) to help bring freedom to people affected by human trafficking and modern slavery.
The 2026 Extreme Challenge, sponsored by Exiger, saw trekkers take on an epic 115km (75 mile) journey over six days, climbing 7,500 metres of elevation through some of the most spectacular wilderness in North America. Inspired by Hope for Justice’s vision of a world free from slavery, the team pushed themselves far beyond their comfort zones in support of those who do not have the freedom to walk away from the challenges they face.
Held in British Columbia’s renowned Sea to Sky Corridor, this latest Extreme Challenge took the 21 participants (plus four guides and support crew) from the coastal landscapes around Vancouver into the dramatic North Shore Mountains and through some of Canada’s most breathtaking scenery. The route included rugged wilderness trails, alpine meadows, remote camping locations and iconic beauty spots within the region, including the stunning surroundings of Garibaldi Provincial Park.
One participant, Dean Sherrin, said afterwards: “This challenge was about resilience. Getting up each morning when your body wants a rest, tackling another climb, supporting the people around you and finding a bit more in the tank when you think it’s empty.”
Along the way, the team experienced unforgettable moments that will stay with them for years to come. They wild camped beside the turquoise waters of Garibaldi Lake, tackled demanding ascents day after day, and even took the plunge into an icy glacial lake at around 2,000 metres above sea level. The challenge concluded on Whistler Mountain, where the team celebrated their achievement with panoramic views across British Columbia’s mountain ranges. Their final reward came in truly Canadian fashion, with a bear sighting near the finish that provided a memorable ending to an already remarkable week.
Theresa Campobasso said: “This was my second Extreme Challenge after the Drakensberg two years ago, and again it was a humbling experience. Some days, it felt like the trail was winning, and I definitely didn’t make it home without my fair share of blisters, scrapes, bruises, and perhaps one less toenail. It was hard on all of us, but I kept going because of the people around me and the crucial reason we were there.”
While the scenery was spectacular, participants repeatedly reflected that the challenge was about far more than mountains, kilometres or altitude. The physical demands of the trek offered a powerful reminder of the resilience required by many survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
For six days, the team deliberately chose to take on discomfort, exhaustion and adversity to raise funds and awareness, knowing they would eventually return home. For millions of people trapped in exploitation around the world, that freedom of choice does not exist.
Throughout the challenge, trekkers encouraged one another through steep climbs, tired legs and long days on the trail, forming friendships and bonds that are a hallmark of Hope for Justice’s Extreme Challenge events. The Canada challenge builds on a proud history of Hope for Justice fundraising expeditions that have raised significant funds and awareness for the global fight against modern slavery. However, this year’s event has set a remarkable benchmark, with supporters, sponsors and donors helping the team reach the milestone of £500,000 raised so far and more still coming in.
Those funds will help Hope for Justice continue its mission of identifying victims of trafficking, supporting survivors in their recovery, preventing exploitation before it occurs, and equipping communities, professionals and organisations to recognise and respond to modern slavery.
Hope for Justice CEO Tim Nelson, who led the Extreme Challenge team for the fourth time in a row, recorded this video reflection and thank you as the trek came to a close:
A huge thank you to every participant, donor, sponsor and supporter who made Extreme Challenge Canada 2026 such an outstanding success. Together, you are helping bring freedom from human trafficking and modern slavery.
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