Maleah Rutty

Hiking is much like life... 

You start off, you apply sustained effort, and you arrive somewhere else. You do this over and over again, moving and changing and applying more and more effort, and then, someday, the journey all comes to an end. 

What do you have to show for it? The stories gathered along the way. The achievement of where you have moved from and to. The support you have given and received along the way. 

Our language is absolutely filled with phrases and wisdom that draw on this metaphor. 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Each step taken is a step closer to real and positive change. Every mountain climbed teaches us that the summit is never as far as it first appears. The path less travelled often leads to the most rewarding destinations. 

It’s no wonder, therefore, that people often liken walking and hiking to journeys of all forms. 

And that's why we're here. 

As a group of twelve apprentices and graduates, all working across different areas of British Airways, Team Flying for Change has come together with one shared mission: to make our mark through The King's Trust Million Makers challenge. 

But this isn't just about us twelve. Over the next six months, Team Flying for Change is looking to push ourselves, push our colleagues, and bring the business along with us on what looks to be a journey worthy of all these well-known idioms. 

As British Airways’ inaugural Million Makers team, Flying for Change is excited to channel our skills and expertise toward supporting the incredible work of The King’s Trust. With a series of novel, creative and engaging endeavours planned, we’re confident we’ll be able to facilitate huge fundraising activity for this fantastic charity, and we can’t wait to bring you on this journey with us. 

Like a perfectly choreographed flight path or the synchronized precision of two legs walking with clockwork fluidity, our Million Makers strategy is singular in its central goal (to host and promote high-quality events), and yet reliant on two separate tracks. 

Track One: Walking to Victory 

Keep your eyes peeled over the coming months, as we’ll be launching a series of challenging and exciting fundraising walks in various locations. We’ll be bringing as many people along with us on this journey,.... 

Track Two:  Cruising Altitude Gala Ball 

We’re pulling out all the stops to create something truly spectacular – think striking venue, exceptional entertainment, and prizes that money simply can’t buy. Watch this space for more information about our show-stopping extravaganza and our final fundraising push. 

The journey begins now, and we’re excited for you to be a part of the story. 

Every step counts. 

Will you join us?