Charity Hike - In Honour of Annalisa Lucia Maspes

Annalisa, my amazing sister and our much-loved friend, took her life on the 20th November 2023, at the age of 19. She was the purest of souls, with the kindest of hearts, her energy and positivity were truly contagious. She had a remarkable ability to inspire creativity and strength in others without even trying. Her passion for the arts, particularly music and dance, was evident in everything she did and her presence lit up the room wherever she went. She touched the hearts of so many along her journey here.

To honour her desire for inspiring change, a group of us have come together to take on a marathon hike on the 30th of March to raise money for Alliance Arts, an award-winning charity based in London, dedicated to providing early intervention services for young people who may be at risk of exposure to negative behaviours. Through the power of the arts, Alliance Arts aims to create positive change in the lives of young people, giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves in a safe and supportive environment.

For many years Annalisa was involved as a dancer and performer at Alliance Arts, who had a profound impact on shaping her personality and creative spirit. Her enthusiasm and dedication were unmatched as she poured her heart and soul into her art. She approached every class and rehearsal with a sense of joy and determination that was truly inspiring to witness. She was very curious too! If there was something she didn’t know or understand, you bet she would make it her priority to find out!

The loss of Annalisa was deeply felt by the entire Alliance Arts community including instructors, students, volunteers and even the trustees. Her absence left a void that could never be filled, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, serving as a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.

As we come together to honour her memory through this fundraiser, we are reminded of the incredible person she was and the legacy she leaves behind. Annalisa's unwavering commitment to creativity, positivity, and community serves as a true testament to the impact one person can have on the world around them. Annalisa believed that we are all humans on a path of learning, working together to absorb everything this world has to offer. A role model, radiant soul and the definition of a leader.

More about the hike

The marathon hike takes place on the 30th March at 9am. It will start in Redhill, following the north downs route across the Surrey Hills and finish in Guilford. It is estimated to take around 9 hours, 26.7 miles (43 km). As well as a beautiful yet challenging walk, it is going to be a lovely opportunity for loved ones to come together and celebrate Annalisa.

Combining her love for nature, with raising money for a cause close to her heart, just seemed right. With around 20 family and friends taking part, it's going to be a very special day! The walk is going to be documented on social media through our Instagram account @ annalisaslife , which was created for everyone to share moments of Annalisa's wonderful life with each other.

More about Alliance Arts and its mission

Founded in 2010, Alliance Arts has been providing vital services for over 13 years. With a team of experienced professionals, including artists, educators, and youth workers, Alliance Arts offers a range of programs and services designed to engage and inspire young people.

In addition to its direct work with young people, Alliance Arts is also committed to raising awareness of the power of the arts in creating positive change in communities. Through partnerships with local organisations, schools, colleges and community groups, Alliance Arts works to build stronger, more resilient communities, where people are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

It would be great to get as many donations as we can, so the funds raised can alleviate the pressure on the existing team by hiring an additional staff member, whose role would be to lead new projects and classes at Alliance Arts. Due to times of inflation, never-ending increases and the lasting setbacks of the pandemic, funding and donations will help the charity more than ever to thrive and continue to offer great services the community relies on.