Highfield pupil raises over £1,000 with 21km challenge for Charlie’s Promise

A powerful talk at Highfield School in Liphook inspired Year 8 pupil William Kessell to take on a demanding personal challenge in support of knife crime charity Charlie’s Promise. After hearing Charlie’s father, Martin Cosser, speak to Year 8 pupils, William decided to complete 21km through running and swimming as part of the charity’s ‘21 for 21’ campaign.

The campaign honours Charlie Cosser, who would have turned 21 in October 2026. Charlie lost his life to knife crime in 2023, prompting his family to establish Charlie’s Promise to help prevent other families from experiencing the same devastation. During his visit to Highfield, Martin spoke about the devastating consequences of knife crime, challenging the misconception that carrying a knife offers protection. He also explained how young people can report information about crime anonymously through Fearless.

For William, hearing Charlie’s story prompted a personal commitment to help. He chose a challenge that would push him physically, beginning with a 14.7km run along the hilly roads and tracks of South Devon. He then completed a remarkable 6.3km swim, spending two hours and four minutes swimming non-stop using front crawl and butterfly. Sustaining that effort after such a demanding run was an impressive feat of endurance, made all the more meaningful by his determination to do something for others.

His extraordinary effort has raised more than £1,000 for Charlie’s Promise, helping the charity reach more young people with its potentially life-saving message.

William said: “Martin Cosser’s talk hit me hard and his messages will stay with me for life. I really wanted to do something to support his mission of educating and raising awareness about knife crime and its devastating effects. I am so grateful to everyone who got behind me and donated and to have raised over £1000 is just incredible. Thank you”

Charlie’s mother, Tara Cosser, said: “All fundraising and support is hugely appreciated, but it means something particularly special when a young person takes the lead themselves, choosing to make a difference and help spread the message. It’s exactly what Charlie’s Promise is all about, so thank you to William for being part of it”

Highfield School, an independent day and boarding school for children aged two to 13 in Liphook, Hampshire, places emotional wellbeing at the heart of school life. Recently named Mind Champion at the School House Awards 2026, the school sees character development as an essential part of education, helping children understand the difference they can make to the lives of others.

Suzannah Cryer, Head of Highfield School, said: “What William has done is extraordinary. He heard Charlie’s story and, entirely of his own initiative, decided he wanted to help. For a young person to recognise another family’s pain and put so much effort into supporting their work speaks volumes about his character. Completing such a demanding challenge took enormous determination, but it is the compassion behind it that makes his achievement so special. At Highfield, we want our children to understand that their actions can make a real difference to others. William has shown just how powerful that can be, and we could not be prouder of him.”

To find out more about Charlie’s Promise and support its work, visit www.charliespromise.org.