Thatcham teen raising money for life-changing expedition

Kennet pupil seeking sponsorship to Ecuador

A THATCHAM schoolgirl has been fundraising to help people in Ecuador.

Kennet School pupil Jemima Unsworth is part of a group of pupils and teachers heading off on the expedition arranged by the school and Camps International.

The organisation takes pupils to Africa, Asia and South America, where they help in disadvantaged communities.

“I have always found other cultures so interesting,” Miss Unsworth said. “There are so many places we can explore and go to. We are so privileged and we have so much that we take for granted on a daily basis.”

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the country in April and at least 661 people were killed and more than 27,000 were injured, leading to state of emergency being declared.

Miss Unsworth said that the earthquake had made her want to help even more.

Miss Unsworth needs to raise £4,000 for the expedition, which sets off in July next year, and has raised £1,700 through a series of events.

“I wanted to start fundraising as soon as possible,” she said. “My mum is quite a keen baker so we started cooking brownies and as it’s a trip to Ecuador we used Fair Trade ingredients.”

The brownies went down a treat with friends, family and Kennet teachers, raising £200.

Miss Unsworth has also secured a part-time job, raised funds through a car boot sale and has booked a stall at the Christmas Market. And the Year 11 pupil has been doing all this while sitting her GCSEs.

However, she is looking for businesses to sponsor her and who would be willing to have their logo printed on a T shirt.

She said, “I’m just trying my best to earn as much money as possible. I’m getting a lot of help from my family and friends.

“It’s a long road ahead but I’m happy with the progress I’ve made in only a few months.”

To sponsor or contribute, contact jemimaunsworth@gmail.com