Kent power worker’s countdown to Everest charity challenge
An electricity worker from Biddenden is preparing for the toughest trek of his life to Everest Base Camp in memory of family lost to cancer.
Michael Kidd, age 41, a warehouse distribution centre supervisor for UK Power Networks in Maidstone, aims to raise £2,000 on the strenuous high-altitude trek to the foot of the world’s highest mountain in March 2027.
The former Royal Marines Commando is funding the trip himself so that every penny donated in sponsorship will go to his chosen charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).
He said: “Having lost family members to cancer, I’ve promised to use any charity event to help the incredible teams that make life bearable for those suffering. Most of us know someone that has been affected by cancer and any money I can raise will help others.
“It will push my boundaries and give me a big sense of achievement. I have completed other charity challenges, but this would be the hardest of my life and a once in a life-time opportunity.”
Becky Turner-Knowles, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Michael for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of Macmillan. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is no small feat, and the commitment, determination and generosity he’s shown by funding the trip himself so that every penny raised goes to charity is truly inspiring. Funds raised through challenges like this help Macmillan be there for people living with cancer and their loved ones when they need us most, and we want to say a huge thank you to Michael for everything he’s doing to support that vital work.”
Michael supported UK forces in advanced ‘blue light’ driving as well as working in anti-terrorism and private maritime security before joining UK Power Networks in 2024.
He has completed previous charity events, including Macmillan Mighty Hikes in the UK, but considers Everest Base Camp trek “the biggest, hardest and most rewarding” challenge he has ever faced.
The expedition will see him trekking through UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park. He will cross suspension bridges, navigate mountain passes, and acclimatise in Sherpa villages along the route to base camp. Nights will be spent in teahouses run by local families, with the group aiming to reach Everest Base Camp, 5,364 metres above sea level, and spending a night alongside explorers preparing to summit the world’s highest peak.
Michael is calling on colleagues from the power sector, fellow armed forces veterans, and the local community to get behind his fundraising effort. He said: “Due to an ongoing back issue, that’s manageable with treatment, this could be my last major charity challenge event, so I want to make it the most memorable and impactful yet.”
Michael will be preparing for the trek throughout this year with hikes in Wales and Scotland. Two pages have been set up for donations.
GOSH Charity – www.justgiving.com/page/mike-kidd84
Macmillan Cancer Support – www.justgiving.com/page/mike-kidd-84
Published: 17/03/2026
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Michael Kidd, age 41, a warehouse distribution centre supervisor for UK Power Networks in Maidstone, aims to raise £2,000 on the strenuous high-altitude trek to the foot of the world’s highest mountain in March 2027.
The former Royal Marines Commando is funding the trip himself so that every penny donated in sponsorship will go to his chosen charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).
He said: “Having lost family members to cancer, I’ve promised to use any charity event to help the incredible teams that make life bearable for those suffering. Most of us know someone that has been affected by cancer and any money I can raise will help others.
“It will push my boundaries and give me a big sense of achievement. I have completed other charity challenges, but this would be the hardest of my life and a once in a life-time opportunity.”
Becky Turner-Knowles, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Michael for taking on such an extraordinary challenge in support of Macmillan. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is no small feat, and the commitment, determination and generosity he’s shown by funding the trip himself so that every penny raised goes to charity is truly inspiring. Funds raised through challenges like this help Macmillan be there for people living with cancer and their loved ones when they need us most, and we want to say a huge thank you to Michael for everything he’s doing to support that vital work.”
Michael supported UK forces in advanced ‘blue light’ driving as well as working in anti-terrorism and private maritime security before joining UK Power Networks in 2024.
He has completed previous charity events, including Macmillan Mighty Hikes in the UK, but considers Everest Base Camp trek “the biggest, hardest and most rewarding” challenge he has ever faced.
The expedition will see him trekking through UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park. He will cross suspension bridges, navigate mountain passes, and acclimatise in Sherpa villages along the route to base camp. Nights will be spent in teahouses run by local families, with the group aiming to reach Everest Base Camp, 5,364 metres above sea level, and spending a night alongside explorers preparing to summit the world’s highest peak.
Michael is calling on colleagues from the power sector, fellow armed forces veterans, and the local community to get behind his fundraising effort. He said: “Due to an ongoing back issue, that’s manageable with treatment, this could be my last major charity challenge event, so I want to make it the most memorable and impactful yet.”
Michael will be preparing for the trek throughout this year with hikes in Wales and Scotland. Two pages have been set up for donations.
GOSH Charity – www.justgiving.com/page/mike-kidd84
Macmillan Cancer Support – www.justgiving.com/page/mike-kidd-84
Published: 17/03/2026
Back to news