Today we announce the appointment of 11-year-old Freya Hyslop as the charity’s first junior ambassador.
Freya is one of our youngest ever fundraisers whose incredible efforts, including a walk-to-school (and back!) challenge which saw her cover almost 100km before and after school over the course of a week, have raised almost £5,500 for the charity to date.
Our ambassadors are a living embodiment of the spirit of the charity and Freya becomes one of just a few supporters and friends of the charity who have been recognised in this way, having gone above-and-beyond in her efforts to support the charity, our partner schools and their pupils in Kenya.
Her appointment follows on from being nominated (by us) and shortlisted as a Bristol Young Hero earlier in the year in recognition not only of her awareness of those less fortunate but also her proactiveness in doing something to help.
Freya is already planning her next fundraising challenge for African Promise and gave us this reaction in accepting her appointment:
“I am humbled and honoured to accept the appointment as junior ambassador. It is truly a privilege to be entrusted with this role and to be given the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause. You do amazing work in providing education and support to children in rural Kenya who have no choice but to walk long distances to school…and I am honoured to become a part of your mission.
Walking to school every day for a week was just a small commitment on my part. It was a way for me to learn about the challenges that children in Africa face every single day. It was a humbling experience that made me appreciate the opportunities I have been given. Education is a precious gift, and every child deserves the chance to learn and grow.
As junior ambassador, I promise to carry the spirit of empathy, compassion, and determination. I will do my best to raise awareness, inspire others to get involved, and make a positive impact in the lives of these children.”
Freya joins Suzanne Payne, Carrie Hall Schalter and the Harkin family as ambassadors to the charity, each of whom have done something extraordinary in support of the charity.
Congratulations Freya, and welcome to the team!