In My View: The sky is not the limit we can aim for the galaxy

Just because we can see the sky does not mean that’s where it will end, we can aim for the galaxy! That’s my message to the next generation of young people, especially women and girls, we need to aim higher, because we can.

There is one thing that got me to the top of Everest: perseverance. It was my fourth attempt to reach the summit. I once had to turn back just 99 metres from the top. That was hard. I consoled myself knowing that because of my fundraising a summit was happening somewhere else - building libraries in South Africa.

I was so happy to join the Scouts in Sheffield by Zoom on Friday evening – and even more pleased that the theme of their night was perseverance. The Scouts have persevered so brilliantly over the last year. Despite not being able to meet face to face for so many months, they’ve stuck with it, supporting each other and learning skills for life.

I shared with them how I became the first black African woman to reach the South Pole on 1 January 2020. At the time, I did not know what huge challenges lay ahead. But how did I get there? By taking one step at a time. And that was my message to the Scouts. Set yourself a goal, find yourself a dream and pursue it one step at a time.

After my call with the Sheffield Scouts, they saw something very special: the NASA Probe, Perseverance, landing on Mars. That’s what I mean about reaching for the galaxy! Just think how much perseverance that took.

I want our young people to reflect on the extraordinary things we are capable of when we work together. I want our young people to set goals and pursue them relentlessly with positivity and determination. I hope that we are nearly through the worst of the pandemic. Persevere a little longer and we will get there.

So finally, I want to say a huge thank you to the volunteers who make Scouts possible. It’s your generosity and perseverance that gives our young people so much encouragement and hope at a time they need it most.