To the Editor:

My name is Elizabeth (Ellie) Copley, a proud Wilton native and University of St. Andrews student in Scotland. This year, I’ve embraced the role of Challenge Leader for a unique Everest base camp trek with Endeavours Adventures, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. I took on this journey in June 2024, along with my friend and fellow Challenge Leader, Electa, who shares my passion for making a difference.

This cause is deeply personal to me, as my grandfather has been facing the challenges of dementia. His journey has profoundly motivated me to help individuals and families impacted by this condition. By participating in this trek, I aim to raise funds that will contribute toward vital dementia research, support services, and resources through Alzheimer’s Research UK. This organization is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, committed to finding a cure and providing hope to families affected by this heartbreaking disease.

Our Everest trek, one of National Geographic’s top 25 treks worldwide, will be both a physical and emotional challenge. It’s an incredible way to honor my grandfather’s journey, channeling my love of sports and the resilience I developed as a lifelong athlete. I played basketball at Wilton High School and continue to play at St. Andrews, which has prepared me for the endurance needed to face this monumental trek. I’ve always believed in using my energy and drive to support important causes, and this trek represents the culmination of that belief.

Endeavours Adventures, the organization behind this trek, specializes in adventure-based challenges that support meaningful causes while promoting sustainable travel. I am thrilled to be part of a community that aligns adventure with social impact. Since joining, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Endeavours, helping coordinate fundraising efforts and motivating a team of nearly 40 students — a new record for St. Andrews on one trek! This has been an empowering experience, with Electa and I receiving “Challenge Leader of the Month” recognition and even topping the leaderboard in October.

My role as Challenge Leader goes beyond just the trek. Over the past six months, I’ve focused on team recruitment, corporate partnership development, and fundraising support. I’ve been organizing events and team-building activities to energize our group, creating a strong, cohesive team spirit. Through social media campaigns, I’ve helped spread awareness of our mission, making our journey visible and impactful for a global audience.

I hope to rally the Wilton community behind this cause, and I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can support dementia research and honor the strength of families like mine who face this challenge daily. I am grateful to GOOD Morning Wilton for sharing my story and for the possibility of inspiring my hometown to make a difference.

For more information or to support this cause, please visit my fundraiser link.

Thank you, Wilton, for your support!

Ellie Copley