Little Annabelle Anson has smashed through her fundraising target for Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough after completing a lockdown-style Ben Nevis challenge in her own home.
Annabelle, aged seven, who lives with her family near Stokesley, climbed 612 flights of stairs over a 12-hour period, raising more than £1,000 for the hospice which provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and children from birth to five years.
Kind-hearted Annabelle had originally set out to raise £150, so was delighted when family and friends rallied their support.
Annabelle’s mother Kate, a paediatric ear, nose and throat surgeon at the James Cook University Hospital, said Annabelle had been aware of the work of Zoë’s Place through her school, and through the family’s own experience with her younger sister Emma.
Kate said: “Emma was born with Kabuki syndrome, a rare genetic condition, so we very nearly needed the hospice ourselves. But she spent that much time in and out of hospital when she was younger that we didn’t use Zoë’s Place in the end.
“But we still learned a lot about the hospice and I can see it from the point of view of a parent, what a lifeline it is to many families, as well a surgeon.
“Annabelle wanted to do something which was significant enough to justify asking for donations, whilst also being able to complete the challenge indoors.
“She rose to the challenge magnificently. By lunch time she was doing so well she decided to do it all in one go rather than over the weekend. Her dad Steve completed the last 100 flights with her.
“She ached for a couple of days after but with every donation received she has had a big beaming smile on her face.”
Proud Annabelle added: “It was hard work but I’m really glad I did it.”