Big interview: An international mission - Christine Kent, chief executive, Raleigh International

"Before I joined Raleigh, I didn't realise how much of a youth-at-risk programme it has," she says. "I was amazed to learn what Raleigh was doing, but also pleased and proud to have that as part of my role." Twenty per cent of the young people on each expedition are drawn from "disadvantaged" groups and the organisation runs a specific programme, Motive8, that targets young people at risk with a mix of outdoor, personal development and academic activities. The scheme currently works with about 400 17- to 25-year-olds and is in the process of expansion.

Raleigh is all about helping every young person recognise and fulfil their potential - something Kent feels passionately about. "I hated school and could easily have not realised my potential but, luckily, I had parents who stood by me," she explains. "Many of the young people we deal with don't have anything like that and part of our role is to start saying, 'What you have done is fantastic, and look what else you can achieve'."