Hello, my name is Lily James. I’m a sixteen-year-old student, currently doing A levels at Sponne school. Next year, I’ll be fortunate enough to be partaking in a once-in-a lifetime expedition to Nepal, along with World Challenge. I will be setting off to Kathmandu, with 19 other challengers from my school, for one month in July.

Whilst on the trip, I will be getting involved in local community-based projects. Not too long ago in 2015, Nepal endured a catastrophic earthquake, the Gorkha earthquake, which killed thousands of individuals and injured many more. School buildings were demolished, thousands became homeless and the foundations of local communities were completely destroyed. I hope that when I go there next year, I’ll be able to provide some support to those who have suffered, through the projects that I’m involved in. Some of the activities I’ll be taking part in are: Renovating playgrounds and school buildings, digging irrigation ditches and tree planting. These are all small things, but I’m hoping it will make a slight positive impact to their lives.

As well as doing the community work, I will also have the fantastic opportunity of trekking through the Annapurna Circuit!

I want to do this expedition as I love the idea of submerging myself into an environment and culture that’s so different from what I’m used to. I will hopefully make some amazing memories, whilst being introduced to new traditions, new people and new ways of life.

The total cost of the trip is £3900, which is a very significant amount of money. I have been working hard, alongside my studies, to fundraise for it. However, any donations, no matter how small, would be hugely appreciated!!

I have been offered the opportunity of doing a skydive, which is taking place this Saturday 24th June! The thought of it is terrifying, but I hoping that you could in some way share my pain and support and encourage me to take the leap!...

Thank you for taking the time to read this :)