We spoke to OE Tess Baguley about her time at QEH, her upcoming challenge, and how you can help.

When were you at QEH? & when did you last visit?

I was at QEH for Sixth Form 2019-2021. Unfortunately, due to COVID and the demands of my medial course, it been difficult to revisit just yet. 

Are you still in touch with any of your QEH friends?

Yes, I have kept in touch with several of my QEH friends. Including Ollie Kerslake, Rosie Pleat, Hannah Taubman and Libby Sadler.

What do you do now? 

I am currently in my third year studying medicine at Plymouth University, just finishing my first term of clinical placements. In the holidays I work as a health care assistant in a GP practice, taking blood, doing ECGs, health checks and helping with vaccinations and audit projects.

I enjoy hiking, with achievements over recent summers including climbing Mount Batur in Bali and completing the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy. I am now in training for the challenge with regular gym sessions, strength and stamina training and am a member of the Plymouth University Wilderness Expedition Medicine Society, having recently returned from a training weekend in the Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). To relax and unwind I also enjoy knitting and crochet.

What is the challenge?

The challenge is to travel to Tanzania in August 2024 and complete the return journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days. Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit is 5895m above sea level, making it the largest mountain in Africa, as well as the largest freestanding mountain rise in the world. This will be a challenge of both endurance and altitude.

Why did you decide to do it?

The Meningitis Research Foundation is an amazing charity whose aim is for the world to be free of meningitis and septicaemia. They aim to support ongoing medical research, to educate both the general public and policymakers and raise funds to enable them to reach these goals. This is a charity that I have supported several times during my school career and now that I am older and able, I felt it was time to take a greater step to support their valuable work. Unfortunately, as a medical student, I have already seen children and young adults with meningitis in hospitals and have seen the devastation that this illness can cause families. 

Who are you doing it with?

I will be completing this challenge with two fellow 3rd year medical students as part of a larger group from Plymouth University. 

How can people donate?

Donations can be made via my JustGiving link. I am planning a programme of other fundraising activities, including supermarket bag packs, bake sales and selling handmade crochet animals and seaglass jewellery.

Thank you for looking at how you can help me in this challenge. Any support towards the incredible work done by this charity that is so vital for children and young people around the world will be very gratefully received. 

https://www.meningitis.org

Tess's fundraiser for Meningitis Research Foundation