Source: Times & Star
Nicky Ford, 20, of Westfield Drive, needs to raise £3,500 for the trip which will also see him work with people who have had little contact with the Western world, spend two days in the Amazon rainforest and complete a trek up Cotapaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.The trip has been organised by the charity Challenge Worldwide. Nicky heard about it through his work as an apprentice telephone engineer with BT.
He will be joined by 28 other BT apprentices from around the country.
He said: “In Cockermouth I volunteer at the Evolution Centre and help with youth events at the Kirkgate Centre.
“I like working with children and this opportunity will allow me to help them as well as give me more confidence and help me with my team work.
“I have been on my apprenticeship for the last two years and have heard about the chances to do something like this.
“I thought I am probably not going to get the chance to do this again so have decided to take the opportunity.
“I am quite nervous about it because it is the biggest challenge of my life.”
Nicky has already started fund-raising for the trip and has put £500 of his own money in as well as raising £190 from his colleagues at BT and a few odd jobs.
He will hold a rock night at the Union Jack Club on Senhouse Street, Workington on June 3 and will take part in the Cumbrian Run in Carlisle and Great North Bike Ride in Northumberland. He is also planning a car wash and bag packing event.