Headteacher braves extreme camping challenge to raise funds for Surrey based cancer charity

Frensham Heights School’s Headteacher Andrew Fisher is in the middle of a week-long extreme camping challenge from Monday 29 January, to raise £5000 for Surrey based cancer charity, The Fountain Centre.  

He has been relying on donor’s generosity to get him through the week of winter camping with nothing but the kit that gets sponsored - all money donated will go directly to the charity. After two nights camping, Andrew has beaten his goal of £5000 and is well on his way to meeting his new target of £10,000.

The Challenge:

The first two nights have been relatively easy. The first a peaceful night in the school woods – delighting the boarders who went on an evening scavenger hunt in search of their headteacher. The second night was not so secluded, as Andrew camped on the edge of the carpark (albeit with a beautiful view of the Surrey Hills). Wednesday night he will be rather precariously camping on a ledge on the outside of the school’s theatre and Thursday will be his most challenging as he will be suspended in a tensile tent at the top of the high ropes course.

More Than Just a Challenge:

Andrew’s Winter Camping Challenge is more than just a test of one man’s physical and mental endurance. It's an opportunity to support a worthy cause with every penny donated going to The Fountain Centre, which was voted by Frensham Heights students as the school charity this year. The Fountain Centre is an independent charity located within St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, Surrey. They provide crucial support and advice to cancer patients and their families. Although the challenge has seen Andrew relying on sponsorship for the kit he needs to brave the elements, all money donated is going directly to the Fountain Centre. For example, a £50 donation might give Andrew the comfort of a sleeping bag for one night, but in reality, the money will go towards three therapy sessions for a patient on the cancer ward. Kas Girdler, Community Liaison at the Fountain Centre urges everyone to support this fundraising challenge, “I really hope everyone is going to get onboard and sponsor Andrew. Every penny will go back to help our amazing patients. So, you really are going to be making a difference.”  

A quick glimpse at the Justgiving page and you can see how many lives this charity has touched, with one donor saying “The Fountain Centre is very dear to my heart and is a very worthy cause! From an ex-pupil, a friend and a cancer survivor, I just wanted to say thank you. Good luck!”

How to Get Involved:

Visit the challenge website at www.frensham.org/wintercamping to sponsor Andrew and follow his adventure.

Share your support for Andrew and The Fountain Centre on social media using the hashtags #FHWinterCamping #fountaincentre and spread the word! Together, we can make this an unforgettable event that raises critical funds for The Fountain Centre and inspires others to embrace adventure and make a difference.

About The Fountain Centre:

The Fountain Centre is a non-profit organisation located within the St Luke’s Cancer Centre at the Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, Surrey. They provide emotional and holistic support and information for cancer patients and their families. www.fountaincentre.org

Fountain Centre Contact: Kas Girdler, Community Liason, rsc-tr.fountaincentre@nhs.net

Challenge Sponsorship Contact: Joanne Van Campen, media@frensham.org

Media Contacts: Sara Acworth and Joanne Van Campen – 01252 792561

Challenge Launch Video

January 2024