I am now a school leaver having just finished Pocklington School.   We ve just moved to Cyprus where I am enjoying the great weather, and fully intend to make the most of opportunities to do some more diving, play cricket and try my hand at sailing once again…the first time round didn t work out so well but I ll give it a try again…So the first part of my gap year is now under way…..

During my gap year  I am joining Raleigh International  on a 10 week expedition to Tanzania for a hopefully life changing experience helping  with community projects such as building schools, teach underprivileged children, provide water to remote areas and join in some animal conservation work .  I am looking forwards to getting involved and learning another culture. I chose to go with Raleigh international because it is an amazing charity and also rather than travelling the world independently I wanted to do something for communities with like minded people who are lucky enough to work with this organisation.This is an exciting but also daunting opportunity which will help me make the decision to move on to the next stage of my future, join the army or go to university.

I leave for Tanzania 7 February, but for now the immediate challenge is to raise money to fund the expedition.  I am required to raise £3150 for this. The main part of the funding is spent on helping these projects develop and complete and I will also have to fund my flight and extra expenses myself.

So my first challenge was the Episkopi Bay2Bay on the 26 July which was a 1.2 nautical mile swim from Lemmings Bay to Tunnel Beach Bay . I did manage to beat Dad and came 116th so was quite pleased with that considering I did no training. It was quite a challenge especially having swallowed a good few mouthful of sea water!

We have had a great charity Gurkha curry evening at our house in  Anoyira Village in October. We sold all 40 dinner tickets and wine and beer flowed freely. Thank you to everyone for their generosity. We managed to raise 740 Euro towards the fund.

The last and final big challenge I have planned is on the 30th November. This is definately going to hurt. I am doing a 180 km cycle ride across Cyprus over 3 days.  This will also be done with another fundraiser who is raing money for Cancer Research. We should be able to egg each other on!!! 

The final date for my funds to be paid is on the 10th Dec, so help me make this challenge complete.Thank you for sponsoring me

Keep a look out on my blog for updates …photos later! 

So now its December we have had to total up my fundraising efforts. I am very happy to say that I have managed to raise almost all the funds required. My total raise has been £3070 which is £80 less. This has been a great effort and with out all your help and generosity I would not hav ebeen able to complete this challenge.  Thank you all and I shall be updating my page with  my movements.

 

Archie Williams