To support families which urgently need our help in Africa, I have decided to take on a challenge which is way out of my comfort zone. I have a fear of heights but have committed to taking on a 100-metre descent abseil down the side of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, to help raise £2,200 to take aid to Tanzania this summer.

As a sixth-form student in Year 12 at Bishop Luffa School, I will be part of a mission team travelling with the well-respected Grassroots Trust to deliver food to families, make and distribute water filtering systems, build beds and paint schools in a place where going to school is a privilege rather than a right.

I have volunteered to be part of the trip because it will open my eyes to how cultures live in other countries and how much I take for granted in my daily life – and I will bring that message home to share in Chichester.

As I am studying dance, I am also preparing a dance to take from Chichester to perform for the community we meet in Tanzania – as they will share their cultural dance to welcome us.

To attend school in Tanzania, children must pay a prohibitive desk hire fee, as well as purchase their own uniform and equipment. Grassroots helps by sponsoring children so they can attend school, buying their uniforms and books as well as supporting their basic needs such as nutrition and medical care. As Grassroots operates through the local churches there, every penny of donations is spent on the children, rather than administrative costs.

As my main fundraiser, I will be taking on the abseil on **Sunday 4th June** which will be a huge challenge for me – on a previous visit to Spinnaker, I didn’t even like walking over the ‘glass’ floor! However it is for an amazing cause, which is why I have decided to take it on.

Any amount, big or small, will make a huge difference - if you are able to, please make a donation.

Thank you for your support and any contribution you are able to make - it is massively appreciated.