TRICIA Wells from Farnham is running the Richmond 10k to support a project that tackles poverty in Nicaragua, where she will soon be volunteering for three months.

Tricia, 24, will travel out to Nicaragua on December 2 with international development organisation Raleigh International, as part of the UK government funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme. 

She will work in partnership with Nicaraguan volunteers to help lift some of the world’s poorest communities out of poverty on a livelihood programme by supporting local entrepreneurs and young women to set up their own businesses.

Tricia will also be living with a local host family, to fully immerse herself in the local community and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face.

But before she leaves for Nicaragua she needs to raise £800 for Raleigh International, and has set up an online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tricia-wells enabling people to get involved and donate.

The money she raises will help to make sure that communities in developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers.

Tricia said: “I’m really looking forward to getting to Nicaragua and getting stuck in to my project. I’m working on a livelihood project, so I’m really hoping I can help young people grow and develop their business skills so they are able to support theme selves and their family alongside generating money into the community.

"I’m most excited about meeting the people in Nicaragua as it’s really interesting to find out what life is like for young people there. I’ve never volunteered overseas before, so this will be a completely new experience for me. I’m really excited to be involved. 

“I’ve already raised £100 from friends and I am planning to do a cake sales in my local church, and a family dinner party.

“This is my first fundraising activity so I’m really hoping it goes well, but I’ve got lots else planned to help me reach my target. Any donation is hugely appreciated, and will make a real difference.”

ICS allows young people aged 18 to 25 to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

On return to the UK, ICS volunteers undertake an ‘Action at Home’ project, ensuring that their new skills also benefit their local communities. More than 13,000 young people from the UK have taken part in the scheme since 2011.

Felicity Morgan, director of ICS at VSO, said: “Tricia will be joining thousands of other ICS volunteers who are doing amazing work around the world, every day. We’re incredibly proud that UK aid is supporting young Brits bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities.

“As an organisation working on the frontline against poverty VSO see how people across Britain play an important role in delivering UK aid; from the NHS and Army helping end the Ebola crisis, to the millions who donate, and the contribution we all make through taxes, together we are all making the world a fairer, safer place.”

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.volunteerics.org.