BRAUNSTON residents are rallying round to help a village teenager raise £3,000 for a unique expedition.
Chris Ashford, 18, of Eastfields, Braunston, is organising fundraising events to pay for the Raleigh International trip to India, as well as working as a lifeguard to pay for flights and kit.
Chris, pictured, will spend 10 weeks in the Western Gha
ts region in February next year.
He will work on a community project to improve access to safe drinking water by building an eco-sanitation facility for each house in the rural Hosakeresunda village. He will also help to protect elephant and tiger reserves.
Chris, who has completed his A-levels, said: “I wanted to do something different on my gap year. I want to help people.
Braunston villagers and businesses, including The Plough, are helping Chris raise the funds he needs for the trip.
He has already raised more than £1,000 and has so far organised a raffle, with half the money going towards the trip and the rest to the village church.
He is also organising a Christmas party for villagers.
He said: “I’ve had a lot of interest from the village. People seem to really want to help.”
To donate money or to help Chris come up with a fundraising idea call 01788 899287 or visit www.justgiving.com/ christopherashford.
