Hermione Killian-Dawson (D 2022) left the school just last summer after spending seven years at St Swithun’s. In September she began studying History of Art at University College London. She wanted to share some news of an upcoming fundraising trip she will be undertaking in Colombia later this year.

“I have been given an opportunity to travel to Colombia this summer as part of a fundraising initiative for the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF). The trip is around a week and a half long and involves a trek through the rainforest to The Lost City, an ancient archaeological site of great interest to me. It is a beautiful location and I will be submerged in the rainforest with little human contact, besides my group, for the duration of the trip. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity that the rainforest offers, as well as being a physical and mental challenge. 

Colombia's Lost City

My goal is to fundraise £3,590. Of this, around 50% goes directly to MRF and the rest funds the trip, which is run by their partners, a company called Choose a Challenge. Much of the money for the trip will benefit the local Colombian economy. The tour guides will be local people and we will also be staying overnight in camps run by the indigenous Wiwa community. Choose a Challenge have also committed to sustainable and ethical policies. Amongst other things, the company have taken the Travellers Against Plastic pledge and are a part of ABTA’s Animal Welfare Working Group, ensuring proper treatment of working animals.

This charity is very relevant to me as a student, because we are a group particularly susceptible to meningitis. MRF does vital research about the illness, which can kill in a matter of hours, as well as educating the public about it. I have written more information about the charity and their goals on my Just Giving page, which is the fundraising platform UCL are running the challenge through.

I want to not only to let the wider St Swithun’s community know about this incredible opportunity that I am involved in, but I would also like to ask for donations to support this venture. I have several plans for raising money, the largest of which is a sponsored triathlon. I have recently started my training and plan to complete the race in early summer. I would be incredibly grateful for donations of any amount, for even the smallest donation can make a massive difference in someone’s life through the charity’s amazing work. MRF does vital work around the world as part of its goal to defeat meningitis by 2030 (measured in a reduction of new cases by 50% and deaths by 70%) If you have any questions or would like to find out more about my trip, please don’t hesitate to contact me through my email (hkilliandawson@icloud.com).”

You can donate to support Hermione’s trek on her Just Giving page by clicking here. You can also see the Instagram account for the trip by searching: @ucl_colombialostcitytreck