Standing at a whopping 5,895 metres at the highest peak in Africa , Andrew Barton successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The renowned celebrity hairdresser took on the daunting climb to raise vital funds and awareness for Kidscape, the anti-bullying charity.
Andrew was joined by a team of 40 volunteers who braved extreme altitudes, sub-zero night temperatures, and intense physical exhaustion. Together, the group has raised more than £100,000 to support Kidscape’s mission to provide children with practical support and safety.
The cause is deeply personal for Andrew. Having been a victim of severe bullying throughout his childhood, to the point of several suicide attempts, he spent much of his youth in hiding. It was only upon starting a hairdressing apprenticeship that he found a “safe space,” discovering the passion and purpose that would eventually lead to his award-winning career.
“Bullying can leave lasting scars. Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it pales in comparison to what some children go through every single day. If this challenge helps even one child feel seen and supported, it was worth every step,” say Andrew.
The expedition featured several prominent figures from the hair industry, including Daniel Lustig-Webb (hairdresser and star of Channel 4’s Gogglebox), Tracey Harris (Racoon International educator), and independent salon owner Amber McKay.
The Expedition doesn’t end there though; the journey has been captured for two upcoming film projects:
- Feature Documentary: A 45-minute film detailing the climb and featuring raw reflections from the team on their personal histories with bullying and resilience. This is set to premiere at a VIP red-carpet event in London in September 2026.
- Short Film: A focused edit by Many Makers (part of Alison) which will be entered into the 2027 Smiley Charity Film Awards.
For more information on the climb or to donate, please visit https://givestar.io/gs/barty-kilimanjaro-challenge
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