Thanks for visiting my fundraising page, you've done the easy bit, now reach for your wallet....

In September I'm off on an epic adventure to Costa Rica and NIcaragua to take part in a 10 week voluntary programme with Raleigh International.

This is not a holiday and there will be a lot of hard work to do. The work will take place in two phases. The first will be an environmental stage, which focuses on the conservation of Costa Rica's spectacular ecosystems. Working alongside local people we will be striving to preserve nature's delicate balance, promoting sustainable forestry and protecting endangered species.

The second phase is a community project that gives something back to the local people of Nicaragua. While it may seem like a paradise when seen from afar, Nicaragua has suffered at the hands of several natural disasters that have damaged its infrastructure and left many people without the facilities many of us take for granted. Raleigh will be working within the community to help rebuild vital infrastructure; past projects have provided new school buildings and a community centre, and redirecting water supplies to where they are desperately needed.

In order to take part Raleigh asks every one of it's volunteers to raise £2995. This may seem like a lot but all the money is put to good use, paying host country staff who liaise with local communities, and buying the building materials needed to complete the projects. Please note, this fund raising does not go toward my expenses, equipment, or vaccinations but all goes to the charity! 

Also, as I have signed a flight pledge and have given up flying in a bid to reduce my carbon footprint I'm going to cross the Atlantic on a freight ship! For 22 days I will be on board a ship that takes bananas from the Caribbean to the European market. I'm either brave or stupid, I'll let you know which when I get back (assuming I survive the crossing). Your money doesn't contribute to this but I thought you might be interested.

I am now on the final stretch and with less then a month to go until my fundraising deadline I am pulling out all the stops to reach my target. So far I have raised money by selling ice cream at the local Open Gardens, pimms at the Charlbury Riverside Festival, I have run two miles dressed as a banana, opened my home as a B & B for Cornbury Festival, and all this while working two jobs! I am very grateful for all the support I have received from friends, family, collegues, rotary clubs and indeed strangers, so thank you all so much. There's not far to go now so any last minute donations really will make all the difference.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Raleigh International will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please dig deep sponsor me now...even a few pounds will make a difference!

Many thanks for your support.