Hi, I'm Alice, 24, and i am a Cub Scout Leader from Peterborough. In August 2018 i will be going to Oman to complete my explorer belt award.

The Explorer Belt is like the polar opposite of an all inclusive holiday. I will spend 10 days with 3 scout network members in Oman exploring the country and completing projects. Before we go we have to plan our trip, including routes, budget, travel and accommodation. By the end of the 10 days we will have completely immersed ourselves in a new culture and have a better understanding of life in Oman.

The Explorer Belt Challenge is the second highest ranking award in the Scout Association and not many people do it because to the amount of work involved.

I want to complete this challenge for two main reasons. Firstly the award is only open to 16 - 25 year old scouts and at 24 this will be my last chance to complete it.

Secondly, some of my friends may be aware that i have recently suffered poor health and in the last year I have been diagnosed with and under-active thyroid gland, coeliacs disease and most recently CFS/ME (Chronic Fatuige Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalopathy).

This has been difficult for me to come to terms with being only 24 and i don't want to let these illnesses stop me completing the things that people my age are able to do. It will be a difficult challenge and i will need to really push myself but i am confident that i can do it.

The cost of tbe entire trip is £1,350, and i have £400 left to raise before 31 December 2018