Rebecca Stephens MBE receiving the cheque from Mr. Cocke and
three pupils who scaled Mount Kenya last Summer

Rebecca Stephens MBE, the first British woman to scale Mount Everest, came to assembly to receive a cheque for £12,519.80 on behalf of the Himalayan Trust UK, Brambletye's chosen charity for the last 12 months.  The charity was set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two people to conquer the world's tallest peak in 1953, in order to give something back to the Sherpas who had made the successful first ascent of Everest possible. The Trust has financed the construction of schools, health clinics and transport improvements for the people who live in these remote places. 

Almost exactly a year ago, George Band, the last remaining member of the 1953 expedition, visited the school to tell us about his experiences and launch our fundraising for the Trust.  Sadly, George passed away in August this year shortly after returning from a 50th anniversary visit to the first school that the Trust set up.  His talk was inspirational and undoubtedly a contributing factor to the huge sum raised this year. 

The money was raised by pupils, parents and members of the Brambletye community through a diverse range of activities from home clothes days, a 4x4 Safari and an auction of art work donated by pupils, staff and friends of the school. 

This year the school will be supporting a more local charity, the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, which supports children with terminal illnesses and their families.