Lucy’s African trek to bring magic into children’s lives

Kind-hearted student Lucy Gibbins has pledged to raise £2,000 for children with life-limiting illnesses as she prepares for an eight-day adventure in Africa.

Lucy, 18, is studying A Levels in Geography, Politics and Sociology at Havering Sixth Form, along with volunteering as an Ambassador for the Partyman’s Magic Makers charity – which works to create magical memories for children experiencing a difficult time in their life.

Through her work for the charity, she has been chosen to join a group on 18 April to climb and trek up Mount Toubkal in Morocco and she has been busy fundraising at college and other events to collect as many donations as she can.

Lucy said: “It is such an honour to have been chosen to represent the charity on the trek and to say I am excited is an understatement! The charity really does create magic for those children who so deserve some happiness – whether they want to meet a fairytale princess, go to Legoland, see Father Christmas or visit the meerkats – and I just want to raise as much as I can for them.”

The group will stay in mountain refuges during the trek and it will be a tough climb. Lucy said: “I have been going to the gym to get myself fit and I’m mentally preparing for the hard work!”

As well as her college studies and charity work, energetic Lucy has a part-time job as an Entertainer with Partyman World, a children’s soft play centre in Upminster, which is how she became involved with their Magic Makers charity.

She also works shifts in the Fatling and Firkin Pub in Hornchurch which she says has really supported her with her fundraising. “The pub has been great with letting me run raffles and quiz nights and I have had so much help from my mum too,” Lucy said.

At her fundraising stall in Havering Sixth Form, Lucy ran a chocolate bouquet raffle, collected donations and sold rose quartz crystal jewellery. At other events she has organised hook-a-duck games, darts competitions, cake sales, quiz nights and toy sales.

Lucy is aiming to work with babies and toddlers in the future and hopes to go on to an Education and Early Years degree at university when she leaves college.

Good luck on the trek Lucy!