Last October, I took part in a community action weekend at Waddow Hall in Clitheroe. I was the only girl from my Unit. I met 32 Guides from across the North West and together we 'hibernated' the tented village for winter, working as a team to dismantle 5 purpose built tents and clean out two store rooms. We also cleared an area of wasteland and sowed wild flowers on the drive up to the campsites to make it pretty.

I have been offered a place to represent Girlguiding North West England on an 'International Community Experience' to Finland for 5 nights in August. We will go to Helsinki to explore the city and learn about the cultures and traditions in Finland. We will then travel to Tampere, where we will meet with a local Guide Unit, stay at their campsite with them and together complete an environmental community action challenge.

This is a brilliant opportunity for me have an international experience, develop my independence and teamwork skills and increase my global awareness.

As part of the challenge, I am expected to fund raise to cover the majority of costs for my trip. The trip will cost £600.00. I have been awarded grants of £88.20 from Girl Guiding North West England and £100 from the County and £25 from our District.

For the rest, I have decided to challenge myself to walk 5,000 steps a day for a month. This is going to be hard, but useful physio, because I had a leg operation on 1st February and am still getting my strength back!

Thank you for your support!