Hi, I'm Sam. This week I found out that I have been lucky enough to be selected to go on an expedition to South India. Around 150 of us applied for only 20 places on this brilliant opportunity. So in July 2019 I will be spending 2 weeks in Mettupalayam, Chennai and Villupuram, volunteering in various community initiatives in some of the region's poorest areas. I am looking forward to being able to make a difference - doing something that helps others and is a truly rewarding experience.

To fund my travel and the work we will be doing, I will be working really hard to raise £3000 - no small amount! I have lots of challenges planned, including a 24hour playathon (non-stop guitar playing), walking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks walking (and those of you who know me will know this will quite possibly be the most exercise I've done in years!) and lots more to come. I am asking people if they would like to use this page to sponsor me to carry out these challenges.

I am also working hard on raising funds through paid guitar work in local theatre productions, hosting gaming competitions and family cinema events, raffles and selling my own artwork. If anyone can help me with any of these, I will be extremely grateful.

By supporting me, you will be part of the great things we can carry out in India, but you will also be helping to support my own future and helping me to grow as a person. I know that I will learn so much from seeing other cultures and ways of life, from working hard and experiencing community spirit and team-working. Those of you who know me well will know that I am a naturally quiet, unassuming person and I really hope that the people and places I encounter in India will give me the chance to develop confidence and interpersonal skills that will help me for the rest of my life. You can learn so much about yourself and the world by meeting people who are different to you, and I can't thank you all enough for giving me this chance.

- Sam.