Wednesday, January 14, 2004

A TEENAGER will soon be leaving behind Scotland for a more dramatic setting on the other side of the world.

But she still needs £500 to help fund her dream trip. Helen Campbell of Haldane is due to leave for Chile on January 29 for ten weeks of challenges with Raleigh International.

She has a list of equipment she needs to take, ranging from a hands-free torch to water purification tablets, scissors and a first aid kit.

Her latest fund-raising venture was a charity event at the Highlander Pub in Alexandria. She has already collected at Glasgow Central Station and received donations from local supporters.

The ex-Vale of Leven Academy pupil who recently completed a lifestyle project with the Tullochan Trust can’t wait to get going.

She said: “It’s a beautiful country. I had a choice between Chile and Borneo and I picked Chile.”

Helen is looking forward to the challenges

her expedition will present her with — such as coping with temperatures of -15. She will have to do an adventure project which involved either sea kayaking or hiking above the snowline of the Andes, an Environmental project which could see her helping to build a hiking trail and a community challenge to provide a village with a new building such as a town hall or sports area. After the project Helen will be able to explore the region before returning home. “I’m probably most looking forward to the adventure piece,” she said. “I have been walking since I was wee. I would like to do mountain climbing because it’s the Andes. “If I have got enough money left I would like to go to Argentina. Tenerife and Bulgaria is as far as I have been! “My mind will have changed when I get back. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” If you would like to help Helen with her equipment call her on 07742 876955.