Ten-year-old Emily Hocking, from Chew Magna, was diagnosed with alopecia two years ago at the age of eight. To show her appreciation for the charity who have helped her so much on her journey, Emily decided that she wanted to climb Pen-y-Fan in Wales, along with her six-year-old brother and parents.

The determined young girl, who attends Chew Magna Primary School, took on the eight hundred and eighty six metre peak, to raise money for Alopecia UK, a charity working to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia.

Sarah and Tim Hocking, Emily’s parents, told The Chew Valley Gazette: “Emily has had alopecia for the past two years, she had a regrowth last summer but lost it again in the winter and hasn’t grown any back since.

“Alopecia UK are a charity who are working to improve the lives of those affected by alopecia through aims of support, awareness, and research.

“We have been to a couple of family residential weekends for children with alopecia and it’s the most amazing community, full of support.

Emily decided to walk Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons to raise some funding as a thank you to the charity for all they have done.”

Emily’s initial fundraising target was £500, but she has gone above and beyond that and has so far raised an incredible £1,193 for the charity who do so much for her and others like her.

Emily explained why doing this challenge was so important to her: “I wanted to set myself a hard challenge to raise money for Alopecia UK as they have helped me so much! We have been on residential trips and met lots of friends, other children and adults with alopecia.

“I love the charity as they make me feel as though I am not alone and like the only one with alopecia, they’re a great support.”

If you would like to help Emily raise as much money as possible, visit her Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-hocking-1692111373383

Or donate using the QR code to the right.