A Barnet student is hoping to travel half way around the world to trek the Great Wall of China for charity.
Jodie Rawl, of Brunswick Park Road, must raise £2,500 to gain a place on the once-in-a-lifetime expedition, with some money paying for the trip and the rest going straight to Childreach International.
The charity, which works to improve children’s access to education, improved health and human rights in the developing world, has organised the trip among a number of international fundraising projects.
The 19-year-old, who is in her first year of a media studies degree at the University of Sussex, applied for the trip to raise some money for a good cause and push herself to the limit.
She said: “I saw it and thought it would be a great experience so I’ve just thrown myself into it head first. I knew I wanted to go travelling and raise some money for charity so this will be a great stepping stone.”
The former Brunswick Park Primary School pupil will make her way across large sections of the famous edifice in gruelling six hour treks for 12 days in a row.
Jodie has already raised £1,800 through a charity nightclub event in Brighton as well as bucket shaking and sponsorship from friends and family.
However, to get herself over the fundraising line, the adventurous teenager is hoping to attract sponsorship from a business to add to her total and pay for vital equipment she must pay for herself.
Jodie will set off with a group of fellow students on August 22 but has until July 11 to raise all of the money she needs.
As well as the trek, she has opted in to eight days of independent travel around the country with fellow members of the expedition after their challenge is complete.
She said: “I’m really looking forward to it but I’m a bit nervous as I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m hoping I’ll get a better perspective and understanding of what it is like to take on something like this. It will be a great thing to say I have done it.”
To donate to Jodie’s charity trek, visit her fundraising page at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jodierawl or if you can offer sponsorship, contact her on jodierawl@gmail.com.
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