Mountbatten Trustee Charlie Panayi’s recent trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, is the latest in a long line of extraordinary challenges.

From climbing Kilimanjaro and Mount Etna to completing Everest Base Camp and a trail marathon, Charlie has consistently pushed himself to the limit to raise awareness and funds for causes close to his heart, particularly in memory of his sister, Zoe, who died from melanoma at just 26 years old.

Fresh off the ferry after returning from Africa, Charlie shares with us his journey up the punishing peaks of Mount Toubkal:

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The "warm-up" challenge.

Standing at 4,167 metres, Mount Toubkal is a formidable climb. For Charlie, it was a “warm-up” for his upcoming Mont Blanc expedition, but it still tested his limits. “I thought I’d swan up there,” he admitted, “but it was far harder than I expected.”

The trek began in the sunny village of Imlil, where Charlie and his two companions, Chris and Andrew, ascended to the refuge at 3,200 meters. The climb was steep and relentless, but the team made it in record time. “It’s never easy getting to 3,200 metres,” Charlie said, “but we pushed through.”

The final ascent began at 3:30 a.m. in freezing conditions, with temperatures dropping to -17°C. Equipped with crampons and ice axes, the team battled snow, wind, and altitude. Charlie, already nursing an Achilles injury, described the pain as “like being stabbed with glass.” Despite this, he reached the summit in just three hours. “I’d rather die than not make it to the top,” he said. “That’s just who I am.”

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"If one person hears Zoe's story and it saves their life, it's all worth it."

Charlie’s passion for these challenges is deeply rooted in his philanthropic nature. Long before his sister died, he was committed to giving back, raising over £250,000 for various charities over the years. “I’ve always believed in supporting the community,” he explained. “It’s not just about money—it’s about raising awareness and inspiring others to act.”

Zoe’s story has become a central focus of his efforts. By sharing her journey, Charlie has encouraged countless people to seek medical advice, potentially saving lives. “A couple of weeks ago, I got a message from someone who heard Zoe’s story at a charity event,” Charlie shared. “They were worried about their daughter and got her checked out. It turned out she had stage two cancer, but they caught it early.”

Moments like this are what drive Charlie. “If one person hears her story and it saves their life, then it’s all worth it,” he said. “It’s not just about melanoma—it’s about encouraging people to take their health seriously.”

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“I'm petrified of heights. But Growth comes through fear."

It would be easy to assume Charlie is fearless, but he openly acknowledges his anxieties and doubts and faces them head-on. “I’m still petrified of heights,” he admitted, “but I do these things because I know I can. Growth comes through fear.”

He also believes anyone can achieve extraordinary things. “People tell me, ‘I could never do that.’ But you could. It’s all about mindset,” he said. “I’ve seen people surprise themselves when they push beyond their limits.”

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Onwards and, literally, upwards!

As Charlie prepares for Mont Blanc, his story continues to inspire. Whether it's raising funds for Mountbatten or advocating for changes in melanoma awareness through Zoe’s Law, his efforts show us all what it means to truly make a difference.

Mountbatten Isle of Wight supports over 2,300 people on any one day, in homes across the Island and in our inpatient unit. Fundraisers like Charlie ensure this vital care continues, bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.