Community

Kilimanjaro Charity Challenge

24 May 2022

Old Pennthorpian, Annabelle Esslemont-Edwards is taking on the challenge of a lifetime whilst helping to fight against meningitis and septicaemia.

Finally rescheduled, after COVID restrictions last summer, Annabelle will begin her 10 day hike up Mount Kilimanjaro on 28th August this year. We’re hoping that our current Pennthorpe community can help Annabelle raise the last few pounds she needs to reach her target, which will support the Meningitis Research Foundation in their aim to have a cure for meningitis by 2030.

Parents and pupils may remember that Annabelle was due to take on the challenge last summer, but due to travel restrictions at the time she has had an extra 12 months to train for this gruelling challenge.

Anabelle joined Pennthorpe in 2005, and has really happy memories of her time here.

My time at Pennthorpe has an extremely special place in my heart and my closest friends are actually those I attended school with there Old Pennthorpian, Annabelle Esslemont-Edwards

After graduating from Christ’s Hospital school in 2018, Annabelle began at the University of Reading studying a Biomedical Sciences degree, where she is now in her final year. Annabelle discovered the opportunity to participate in this fundraising trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro via the university, and now she, and 39 other peers from the Reading and the University of Exeter, are raising awareness for their chosen charity, the Meningitis Research Foundation, through fundraising. Annabelle’s target of £3,500 is no mean feat!

Annabelle’s taken on lots of different things to fundraise, such as private maths tutoring, selling clothes online, running a half marathon, poster campaigning around Horsham, organising raffles and being featured in lots of news articles. She has also had a radio appearance on BBC Berkshire!

Whilst at Pennthorpe I got involved with all the sports teams, playing lots of netball, hockey and rounders. One of my favourite memories from Pennthorpe was sharing orange slices out at half time during matches and meeting girls from other schools at match tea after games.

To support Annabelle, on 27th June 2022 the Pennthorpe pupils will be attempting to collectively climb the height of Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) up the hillside of the Pennthorpe woods, whilst wearing crazy hair and something purple! Please do support your child, and through them Annabelle, by giving generously either in cash using the sponsor form here, or Annabelle’s JustGiving page here.