Paul with Alessandra & Simone

Apr 02, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025

Paul Plewman

This year I will take my two daughters on two separate expeditions whilst raising money for some good causes. I hope this teaches them about endurance and also the importance of helping those who need support.

Expedition 1: Alessandra(18) and I will be walking across Italy in April. Alessandra has Down’s Syndrome and has been training for this walk since September (as have I). We will depart from the Vatican at the start of April, and follow St Thomas’s Camino (il Cammino di San Tommaso) over the Appenine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea (Ortona) on the east coast. It will take us the month of April to complete this adventure, covering 325km.
Main Challenge? The Appenine mountains will be a physical challenge, especially with loaded rucksacks, made tougher due to a lack of facilities along this part of the journey. Hopefully the snow will have melted by then.

Expedition 2: Following this, I will be climbing Kilimanjaro Mountain with my other daughter Simone (11) in early August.
Main Challenge? Aside from simply climbing a large mountain, the altitude is our biggest fear. We also aren’t looking forward to the very early morning start (3am) to make it to the summit, but undoubtedly it will be worth it.

We will be raising money for 4 worthy causes:
1. Down Syndrome Association https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/
The Down’s Syndrome Association supports people who have Down’s syndrome, and their parents and carers, throughout their lives

2. Electric Eels Swimming group https://electriceels.org.uk/
Electric Eels is a family orientated swimming club specifically for children (over 8) & adults with Down Syndrome

3. National Autistic Society https://www.autism.org.uk/
The National Autistic Society is a charity for autistic people and their families in the United Kingdom

4. Hope Valley School, South Africa https://hopevalleyschool.org/
A rural primary school based in South Africa, providing an education to a community of farm labourers’ children.

I will be updating social media along the way
https://www.facebook.com/paul.plewman.7
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-plewman-01405311/
https://www.instragram.com/paulplewman

Supporting

Hope Valley Farm School

International | SA132-191

25%

We are a rural Christian Primary School that provides a quality education to the community of farm labourers children. The mission of Hope Valley Farm School is to grow greatness in each learner. To provide an environment that enables the learners to grow academically and spiritually while learning social and leadership skills to reach their full potential socially, spiritually and morally.

Electric Eels

Sport | 1136536

25%

Electric Eels is a family orientated club specifically for children (over 8) & adults with Down Syndrome. We cater for experienced & non-swimmers alike, who wish to develop their fitness, core strength & improve technical aspects of swimming, in a safe, friendly environment.

National Autistic Society

Health | 269425

25%

We are here to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.

Down's Syndrome Association

Community | 1061474

25%

We are a national organisation, committed to improving quality of life for people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others.