Kindness, empathy and the importance of listening are fundamental principles that I truly believe in. I have been lucky to have grown up in a loving and supportive home and I have been blessed with a large extended family who are always interested in my achievements and goals. However, I have also been made aware that there are those who are much less fortunate than I am and that I have a responsibility to use my talents to help those in need whenever I can.

Fundraising has raised my awareness of how many people, all over the world, suffer as a result of poverty. This knowledge has prompted me to use my skills and talents to actively make a difference to improve the quality of life for some people. This opportunity to visit Ghana is really important to me. It would enable me to see how I can continue to help others who are less fortunate than I am. I recognise that this experience will be a difficult one, both emotionally and physically however I believe I am mature enough to cope with the demands of the trip and I firmly believe the reward and satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others’ will exceed any sacrifices I have to make.