Eighteen-year-old Harry Sparkes, from Haydon, will be leaving his family and friends behind in June to take part in the experience of a lifetime, helping people in Nicaragua, South America to have safe, clean drinking water.

Harry will be volunteering through ICS, a Government funded volunteer programme which allows young people aged from 18–25 to volunteer overseas and help some of the poorest communities in the world.

During the ten-week placement, Harry will be teaching communities about the importance of sanitation and helping to cleanse water from local streams, distributing it within the community. He will be living with a host family and also organising projects for young people during his stay. Alongside a team of other

volunteers, he will be encouraging young people to be proactive, immersing himself in an entirely different culture.

As part of the experience, Harry has to raise £800 towards funding his journey, £400 of which he needs to raise by 6th May and the rest by 3rd June.

So far, he has planned a Quiz Night on Saturday, 30th April at Peasedown St John Youth Hub with teams of up to four allowed to join (call to book your place). There may even be a live band taking part! Harry is also organising a sponsored leg wax and head shave, with more events, including table top and cake sales. Anyone who wishes to help send Harry to Nicaragua can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/Harry-Sparkes

Harry says: “I heard about ICS from my careers adviser and I hope to become a team leader on one of the overseas projects when I am old enough.

“I haven’t got long to raise the money, but I believe I can do it! If anyone would like to contact me about fundraising, they can do so by emailing: [email protected] or contact: 07548 955805.