An ex-Kirk Hallam Community Academy student is set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for charity.
Emma Allen will be raising money for Childreach International, which provides access to education and healthcare to children by empowering local communities.
The 19-year-old is studying Media at Sheffield Hallam University and signed up for the climb after attending an information evening.
Mount Kilimanjaro has three volcanic clones and is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It is the highest mountain in Africa and rises 19, 341ft above sea level.
Emma is due to fly out to Tanzania on August 30th and will return home on September 8th.
She said: “I wanted to get involved with something for charity but I didn’t know what. When I heard about Childreach International I just thought that would be a fantastic cause to support because they help children all over the world.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience. I love the idea of seeing the world and helping people at the same time.
“I am already quite fit as I’m a trampolinist but have been doing extra training. I’ve been walking in the Peak District wearing my new boots in and going to the gym.
“The only thing I’m a bit worried about is altitude sickness as there is nothing you can do about that, you just have to work through it.”
The teenager is aiming to raise £3,000 and has already raised £1,337 through bucket collections and raffles.
She is also planning to do face painting at Ilkeston Carnival and held a trampoline festival at Kirk Hallam Community Academy at the weekend
Emma said: “No matter how much I raise I feel so proud of myself for raising this much so far because I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Martin Ebbage, head teacher at Kirk Hallam Community Academy, wished Emma well with the climb.
He said: “Emma has done so well to raise more than £1,000 already and we wish her the best of luck with the climb. It’s great to see our ex-students supporting such good causes and we are sure it will be an unforgettable experience.”
To support Emma, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/
