Where it all started
Early in 2017, with the business stream I was leading growing fast, I was keen to find a way my team and I could positively contribute to the architectural industry.
Blueprint for All was originally established to provide opportunities in architecture and design for young people from ethnically diverse and underrepresented communities, and with the emotive back-story which inspired the birth of the charity, it was a cause I immediately bought into.
Three Peaks Challenge
In 2017, we saw our first challenge – my determined team and I took on the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Blueprint for All. Naively, I arranged to scale Ben Nevis late in September, not only facing freezing rain but terrifying 50mph plus gusts which swept through periodically and added a sense of genuine jeopardy to the challenge, with several of the team in tears from fear. Most of us completed Scafell, but with time targets out of the window. We then reached Snowden, only to be greeted by a wall of thick fog, and our 24-hour challenge failed. It did, however, see us raise £5,000 and a passion was born.
75 miles in 25 hours
In 2018, the team faced its second challenge – walking the 75 miles between our HQ and YourSpace, Blueprint for All’s address, over 25 hours to mark the 25 years since the death of Stephen Lawrence, whose goal to become an architect was sadly never fulfilled.
I recall one of the team members saying, “It’s only a walk. How hard can it be!” The answer… incredibly hard! Blisters, swollen feet and legs, and genuine exhaustion meant it was the hardest challenge yet, but another challenge conquered, and more than £5,000 was raised.
The London Marathon
In 2019, I conquered my first marathon, the London Marathon, for Blueprint for All, which I repeated in 2024, but this time with Rhythm Careers matching every donation pound for pound.
Outside of physical challenges
Outside of physical challenges, I’ve been thrilled to deliver a session on entrepreneurship, workshops on the interview and job application process, and have been asked to speak at the Building Futures Programme’s 30th anniversary.
I was also inspired to launch #BeMoreInclusive, a program designed to help young people supported by Blueprint for All obtain their first role in the profession, which won several awards due to its impact.
When launching Rhythm Careers, we took the partnership to the next level, with Inclusion in Equity, which means Blueprint for All shares in our success and, most importantly, our profits. Through profit sharing and completing the 2024 London Marathon, the Rhythm Careers team has brought in around £9,500 of donations in those 12 months alone.
As we continue to grow and more clients choose to work with us, the work of Blueprint for All will continue to be supported financially as a deliberate consequence.
Blueprint for All, you’ve got me hooked!
During my time supporting Blueprint for All, I have met Sir Mo Farah, been in the same room as Prince Harry and Meghan, run alongside Frank Bruno and Russ Cook, and heard Beverley Knight sing live… I have met more inspiring and driven young people than I dare to remember, and have never felt more appreciated.
2026… our biggest fundraising challenge yet is designed, and you’ll hear more about that early next year!
Blueprint for All, you’ve got me hooked!
To learn more about their work and how to support them, visit their website here: Blueprint for All
