Kingham Hill is delighted to announce that its Charity of the Year for 2025–26 is the Rafiki Thabo Foundation; an organisation transforming the lives of young people in Africa through education.
To launch the school’s support, Emily in the Upper Sixth undertook an extraordinary challenge, cycling from London to Paris over the weekend of 5th–7th September.
Over three days, Emily covered more than 190 miles with almost 8,000 feet of uphill climbing, completing her journey along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe and then continuing along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower.
Reflecting on her experience, Emily said: "The most challenging part was dealing with the weather, which was almost constant rain for all three days, coupled with some strong winds. ”
Emily continued to explain the motivation behind the ride: "We are fortunate as a community to be privileged enough to attend an independent school that supports us with our futures, whilst giving us the biggest chance and opportunities to succeed. This provides a small way to give to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Any donation would mean the world and would be so greatly appreciated."
With an individual fundraising target of £1,500, and combined target of £4,500 alongside her two fellow cyclists, this amount could provide:
- Vocational training for four young people with disabilities in Kenya in skills such as carpentry or catering, or
- Almost a year’s worth of school meals for 70 children in some of the poorest communities in Uganda, or
- A full year of high school education for 38 children in Lesotho, giving them the best possible start at a future.
Currently, Emily and her team have raised just over £3,000 between them.
For more information about Kingham Hill’s Charity of the Year, visit rafiki-foundation.org.uk.
Donate to Emily's Fundraiser for the Rafiki Thabo Foundation