This summer I am volunteering in Fiji to improve education and support in a country where 75% of children live below the poverty line and only 5% gain an early years education. I will be working with Think Pacific which is a registered Fijian charity working closely with the Fijian Government. While I am there I will be staying with a local family and helping in nearby schools.

To support this trip, I am doing a couple of fundraising things. Firstly, as many of you are aware, I have a lot of rather long hair (an understatement) which has been somewhat of a security blanket for the last 15 or so years. In the spirit of embracing change, I'm first raising money by cutting my hair which will be donated to the Little Princess Trust (who make wigs for children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other illnesses).

For my second fundraising adventure, on Friday the 29th, I am taking part in a 30-mile walk from Exeter to Torquay along the coast. We're estimating that this will be around 10 hours of consistent walking and take the best part of the day to complete.

Any donations are greatly appreciated and go directly to Think Pacific to provide long term resource, support for the schools and communities and training of volunteers. I will be funding flights, insurance, injections and travel myself.

In the Fiji Islands, Think Pacific Foundation provides the money, planning and logistical support to enable volunteer teams to achieve specific development goals in the poorest areas. It also provides a well structured, challenging and adventurous expedition.