Hello everyone, my name is Bilal Sha Jihan and I am 15 years old. I am raising money for an expedition to Borneo in June 2019, with my school, Bridge Of Don Academy and Outlook Expeditions. As soon as I heard about this project, I applied instantly. Fortunately, I was one of the fifteen students to get chosen to take part in this project.

The expedition lasts three weeks and is about helping the community in Borneo and doing charity work for the people, which explains the cost. Within those weeks, our group will trek through parts of the rain forest (with Borneo's being one of if not the oldest in the world) and different villages where we will meet the locals, as well as complete our charity project along the way.

What attracted me to take part is the opportunity to experience a completely different way of life and to give my best to help the people and their community. I've always had a love for learning and pushing myself further in everything I do to give the best I can to succeed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and something I have always wanted to do.

The total cost of the expedition is £3600 and to raise the rest I have decided to organise a few events such as sponsored 10 kilometre run and hosting a dinner night which I hope can raise enough for this trip. Please donate with whatever you can even if it is just one pound because every penny really does count and is greatly appreciated! Any money raised over the targeted amount will be donated to charity. With your help, together we can make the lives of the locals in Borneo, children included, a lot more pleasant and put smiles on hundreds of faces.

Here are some fun facts about Borneo:

It is the third largest island in the world!

The Borneo rain forest is estimated to be 135 million years old!

Half of the world's timber comes from Borneo.

Borneo is twice the size of Germany.