Gig will help Gainford teenager make a difference

A Gainford teenager is hoping to raise more than £4,000 to help those less fortunate during a trip of a lifetime.
Emily Wilson, 16, plans to visit Ecuador next summer as part of an expedition organised by World Challenge. 
The Ripon Grammar School pupil will be one of 20 students from her year group visiting South America’s west coast in July next year.
Emily said: “World Challenge organise it through school and since year seven I have always wanted to do it. I really want to go abroad to a different country and see the culture. I don’t want to take a gap year so this is a great opportunity to do it.”
During the three-week trip, the pupils will visit a primary school to help teach those less fortunate. They will also trek through the Northern Andes and experience white water rafting.”
Emily, who is preparing to sit her GCSEs this summer, said: “At one of the primary schools, where there is overcrowding, we will be going to help teach the children the alphabet. I am going to have to learn some Spanish.
“I am looking forward to it. I really value education so it is nice to help someone else who does not have the chance to get a good education.”
To be able to secure her place on the expedition, Emily must raise £4,265.
The money will be used to cover travel costs, a tour guide while out there and living costs. So far, Emily has raised £2,000 by holding cake sales at school as well as bag-packing in supermarkets.
To help reach the fundraising goal, Emily and her family have organised an event at Gainford Village Hall. The Summertime Shindig will take place on Saturday, July 8 from 8pm until midnight.
Tickets cost £10 which include live music from the retro pop, synth and Indie band Deeper Season. Refreshments will be available and a licensed bar will also be open.
Emily said: “It is an opportunity of a lifetime that I won’t get if I can’t raise all of the money. The schools are really bad out there and there is a lot of poverty in the rural areas. We will be going where we are needed the most.”
To buy tickets contact Julie Wilson on 07849 630103.