Wirral teenager hopes to make a difference in Tanzania (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral teenager hopes to make a difference in Tanzania

11:00am Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Stephanie Cureton

A WIRRAL teenager is hoping to make a difference to poverty-stricken children by helping to build a much-needed school.

Amy Ralph, from Wallasey, was inspired to sign up for the special mission to Tanzania after witnessing the famine first-hand during a family holiday.

The St Mary's Catholic College student visited a Kenyan village four years ago and was shocked to see the daily struggles that local children faced.

Along with six other students, she will spend a month in Tanzania this Summer where she will improve learning resources by building classrooms and teaching English.

But she is calling on Globe readers to help her raise the £3,500 she needs to fund the trip.

Amy, 17, has teamed up with her friend Jessica Dermody to organise fundraising events and so far the pair have raised around £4,000 between them.

Amy said: "I went on holiday to Kenya a few years ago and we went on one trip which took us through a village.

"We had all been given little bags of chocolate and the children were literally snapping them right off us because they were so hungry – it was horrible to watch.

"That experience really stuck in my mind and I always knew I would go back to somewhere like that and try to help, although I thought I wouldn’t be able to go until after university.

"So when the opportunity came to spend four weeks in Tanzania, I jumped at the chance.

"A friend and I have been setting up events to raise the money we need but we still need about another £3,000 between us to pay for everything.”

"The trip, which is run through Camps International, will also include a hike up Mount Kilamanjaro.

Among the fundraising events which have already taken place include a music night at the Leasowe Castle and a sponsored skydive.

Now the two friends have organised a charity night of comedy and music in a bid to reach their target.

The 'Tanzania Fundraising Night' takes place on Sunday, February 19 at the Regency Suite, Wallasey, from 1.30pm onwards and will be hosted by Ricky Tomlinson.

Amy added: "We have had a really good response to the forthcoming charity night so we had to keep extending how long it would last for.

"I cannot wait to get to Tanzania and get stuck in – I just really hope we can make a difference to these people’s lives."

For further information about the event or to buy tickets, contact Amy’s mum, Dawn, on 07923570013 or Jimmy on 0151 200 9808.