Good luck, Isabella!

Monday 08 July 2024

A Guernsey school girl is tackling England's tallest mountain today - climbing it in memory of her dad, who died last year.

Stephen Robilliard was planning to climb Scafell Pike himself, but as his health deteriorated he inspired his daughter Isabella to take on the challenge instead.

The day has now come for her to tackle the 978 metre mountain - accompanied by her mum and uncle.

The trio are raising money for Les Bourgs Hospice, where staff cared for Stephen last year. 

As part of her training, Isabella has already climbed the 251-metre-high summit of Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano in Scotland. She knows today will be even tougher though. 

"I know my Daddy will be very happy and when I reach the top he will be very proud of me," Isabella said.

"He will be laughing at my mother, we are going to leave bottles of champagne for her halfway down to convince her to keep going."

Liz Stonebridge, Fundraising Manager at Les Bourgs, said she is in awe of Isabella's effort. 

"It's just incredible," she said. "Scafell Pike is one of the three peaks so for any adult it would be a challenge and even more so for a 10-year-old. But it's not just that, it's also the commitment of time fact she's taking time to put in to all this training.

"Our nursing team takes pride to ensure that the highest standard of compassionate, holistic care is provided to our patients and their families. It is therefore humbling to hear the positive impact that has had on them.

"We are very grateful to Isabella and her support team for raising funds for us and wish her the best of luck!.”

Isabella has already raised £3,500 for the Hospice. 

You can sponsor her HERE.