Father and daughter reach Paris today as they support West Country disaster relief charity
The pair have spent ten years fundraising for Shelterbox
Last updated 14th May 2026
A father and daugther from Devon will today reach Paris as part of their latest cycling fundraising challenge for Shelterbox.
They first discovered the West Country charity when Emily was eight at the Devon County Show - which returns this time next week.
Now aged 18, Emily says they've also abseiled 560ft, alongside Emily's uncle and grandmother who was celebrating her 80th birthday, and paddleboarded 200 kilometres.
"They made me feel like I could actually make a difference, even though I was only little,” says Emily.
“Over the years I have become more invested, gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of their work and how special it is to have a disaster relief charity which is so culturally sensitive.
"The world is becoming more unsettled, politically and environmentally, so now more than ever it is important to look outwards to do something to support those who find themselves caught up in conflict or disaster.
"No matter how small my contribution has been, I have always felt that ShelterBox truly value any support given to them.
“I’ve supported them for 10 years now and raised money through some crazy ideas and the incredible support of family, friends and donors. Now, with my dad by my side, I’m excited to set off on my biggest challenge yet, cycling all the way to Paris!”
Having completed numerous fundraising activities for ShelterBox throughout her life, including a 200km paddleboarding challenge in 2022 and an abseil down the 560ft Spinnaker Tower in Plymouth alongside her uncle and grandmother who was celebrating her 80th birthday, Emily has already raised an impressive ÂŁ12,000 and is hoping to bring her total to ÂŁ15,000 with her latest challenge.
John Stanbury, Community Engagement Officer at ShelterBox said: “We are exceptionally lucky to have such a dedicated and passionate fundraiser in Emily. She is truly a part of the ShelterBox team, and I am very proud to be part of a team with Emily in it.
"It’s only thanks to supporters like Emily and her friends and her family that we can continue delivering shelter and vital supplies to people who have lost their home through conflict or disaster. We will be cheering Emily and her dad on all the way to Paris!”
Emily's JustGiving page can be found here