MARIE White has a real taste for adventure and is gearing up for a trip of a lifetime to Uganda.

Marie, of Edale Avenue, Haslingden, is taking a year out before going to university to take part in a five-month environmental trip with a group of 10 people.

The trip has been organised by Student Partnership Worldwide, and Marie will be working with the locals in the community.

She has to raise £3, 500 for the trip, which starts on March 2, and so far she has raised more than £1,000, including a £500 donation from her former school, All Saints RC High, Rawtenstall.

It won't be the first time Marie has done voluntary work, she previously spent several months with Groundwork, helping build dry stone walls.

Marie, 18, has begun taking malaria tablets, and she will be vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, rabies, yellow fever and diphtheria.

She said: "The trip is something I've always wanted to do, and I hope to do environmental science when I go to university so this will be great experience.

"I'll spend a month training in Uganda on a self sufficient farm where I will learn how to live from the land. I'll then spend three months in the community involved in projects such as building tree nurseries, and we'll be trying to use our own resources. Then I'll stay for another month before flying home."

Her dad, Sean White, said: "Marie is a very independent young lady, and her family are all supporting her."

Marie is trying to raise money by working at McDonald's in Rising Bridge and the Commercial pub in Haslingden. She also plans to hold a car boot sale in Accrington.

She is looking for more sponsors, and anyone who can help can contact her on 01706 217319.

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