Gambia trip will be a mission of mercy

A PERSONAL assistant from Plymouth is heading off to The Gambia next month on a mercy mission to help some of the world's poorest people.

Heather Leythorne, right, who lives in Weston Mill, is spending four weeks volunteering in Wellingara village for the Wellingara Volunteer Scheme.

The 34-year-old former Tavistock College student leaves the UK on December 16 and will be in the African country throughout the festive season.

Heather, who works at Plymouth University, was inspired to "give something back" to the Gambian community after taking part in a week-long student visit to Bakua in February this year.

"That trip gave me a really good insight into how these people live with so little to live for," Heather said.

"I was welcomed into a home, and into the lives of these people, and I returned to the UK feeling like I wanted to continue to help them.

"They inspired me to want to give something back in some shape or form.

"There is so much poverty over there, but still so many smiling faces.

"These people have literally nothing. The children have no toys and they either play with rubbish – or by using their imagination."

Heather, who raised all the money needed to take part in the volunteering scheme by organising fundraising events in Plymouth, said she will be hoping to take up a variety of roles.

These could include helping out at a local school and clinic and helping to provide a hygienic water supply.

Heather will also learn some of the local language to properly communicate with the village people.

"These people want to learn and they want to improve their skills and knowledge but many do not have the ability to do so," Heather added

"I'm excited about going out there to see if I can help, even in the smallest way. If I can make a small difference to one child's life it will all be worth it."

In particular Heather is keen to take as many pens, footballs and paper with her as possible to give to the stricken children.

If you want to help Heather with her appeal, email her at heatherleythorne@yahoo.co.uk.