Here’s how you can donate to two students who will make a difference in rural Cambodian communities

Two West Berkshire students are raising £5,000 each for a volunteering programme in Cambodia, writes Bethany Sirianni.

The programme, in partnership with Camps International, will send a youth team to help build clean water facilities, school buildings and other vital infrastructures for communities in rural Cambodia in 2026.

Caitlin Marsh, a Thatcham-based student, is taking on a major challenge this week to raise the money.

She is aiming to cycle 280 miles around England from July 21 to July 28.

In order to train for this massive cycling challenge she has been going on bike rides around her area and going on runs and walks, all to improve her cardiovascular endurance.

There will be seven stops on the route, which she will be cycling alongside her older brother for safety. They will be leaving from Thatcham then heading to Devizes, Bristol, Sparkford, Weymouth, Bournemouth andWinchester before returning to Thatcham.

She is aiming to cycle 40 miles every day and will be recording data from each day, which will be available to see on her fundraising Instagram account @Caitlin.Cambodia

Speaking to Newburytoday, Caitlin said: “I have always believed that volunteer work is not only important for community, but also for self improvement.

“By getting involved and helping other people, I have become a more empathetic and selfless person.

“I chose to fundraise for this trip to make sure I have earned every opportunity I get.”

To donate to Caitlin’s fundraiser, you can follow the link at https://gofund.me/13ad865d

Ethan Kuijten, 16, another local student, is organising an Ironman distance triathlon, which he will take on over three days from August 1 to 3.

It comprises of a 2.4-mile (3.86km) swim in the Thames, a 112-mile (180.25km) bike ride in the Berkshire countryside and a 26.2-mile (42.2km) marathon length run, again in the surrounding area.

Although he has previously taken part in gruelling events, it will be challenging for Ethan, as he has never covered these distances before.

If you would like to donate to Ethan, you can find his fundraising page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/camp-cambodia-summer-2026-ethan-kuijten

To find out more about the project, go to the Camps International website https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/cambodia-trek-expedition/

Camp Cambodia will help volunteers to work closely with rural Cambodian communities to support their development.