Young girl conquers Catbells smashing fundraising target

Seven-year-old Phoebe Brooke, from Haltwhistle, conquered Catbells on Saturday, September 14 to fundraise for Alopecia UK.

Her target was £500 but has so far raised £669 (as of September 17).

Phoebe Brooke at Catbells (Image: Supplied)

Phoebe has had alopecia since she was three years old and her mother, Stacy Upton, said there are daily ‘ups and downs’ with the condition.

READ MORE: Great North Runners raise almost £5,000 for additional needs charity

Phoebe climbed Catbells and raised £669 (Image: Supplied)

Her main goal is to spread awareness about alopecia, which is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Phoebe hopes to do another fundraising hike next year (Image: Supplied)

Stacy said: “Every day there’s ups and downs. She loves that she’s different, she’ll tell you that she loves how she can do things like stick tattoos on her head. But her anxiety is affected massively, and her social skills, social life and school are affected. As a family, it’s hard to watch and know there’s not a lot you can do, but we’re so proud of her and she’s so strong.

Phoebe completed the hike up to the top of Catbells in just under an hour with her family.

Stacy said: “She really enjoyed it, it was very windy at the top so that shocked her a little bit. Just as we reached the top I had an email with another donation which pushed her to her target of £500 and has since made over her target. She said she can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

To donate, go to https://www.alopecia.org.uk/Fundraisers/the-upside-downs-fundraising-page-for-alopecia-uk. 

“She’s doing another fundraiser with her school, Haltwhistle Primary Academy, in October for Alopecia UK again,” Stacy added.

The Crazy Hair Day will take place on October 25, the last day of the school term.

The money raised will fund outdoor events, youth groups, online work and more for people with alopecia.

“Families are all included and you can see where the money goes. 

“Alopecia UK is an amazing community of amazing people, young and old, so it’s lovely to know as a parent she’s got that community to fall back on if she ever needs it.”