The following is taken from a wonderful article by Adventure.com published in January 2024. Photo. – Fran Pearson with BBC Radio Shropshire’s Adam Green
Superpower: Helping people on low incomes to access the outdoors by supplying them with donated hiking, running and camping kit.
Who is she? Hiker, wild swimmer and single mum of two, Fran from Shropshire, England, had to give up paid work to become a carer for a family member eight years ago, going from a household with a full-time salary to relying on benefits. Fran found solace with her family in their outdoors pursuits but suddenly realized how expensive all the kit was.
Why did you decide to start Kitsquad?
In 2019 when my children brought home their Scouts camp kit list I realized how costly it was, and what a barrier that might be to those who didn’t already have the gear like we did as an outdoorsy family. So I started Kitsquad from my lounge in February 2020 to help others from missing out. Now we are in a large warehouse supporting hundreds of families, hikers and runners.
Read the full article Real running heroes: meet the people making a difference on the roads and trails at Adventure.com
