A YOUNG Bolton woman is set to pack her bags and head for the desert plains of Africa for the trip of a lifetime.

Alison Mack, 22, will be venturing into some of the remotest parts of Namibia next month to help develop community facilities.

She will be working alongside the locals and other volunteers on environmental and adventure projects, including helping to build schools and aid people who have eyesight problems to receive pioneering treatment.

Alison, who gained a degree in geography from Durham University in June, will be travelling with the three month long Raleigh International Expedition.

Raleigh International provides the opportunity for young volunteers to explore remote communities and environments and to contribute to the development and conservation of a third world nation.

Alison, from Timberbottom, Bradshaw, says she is excited about the trip and hopes she can raise the rest of the money she needs. She is currently about half way to the £3,000 target.

She told the BEN: "I am really looking forward to the trip and it is something I have always wanted to do.

"My time in Namibia will give me the opportunity to give something back to people who need it and it is a great chance to go to an unusual place."

Shortfall

The former pupil of Turton High School has already been given £650 by the Provincial Trust and £500 from Axa Insurance. She hopes to raise the shortfall by various fund-raising functions and has even volunteered to go and speak to local community groups about her experiences.

She added: "Things like Comic Relief have shown that people are prepared to take time out and help these people. I am glad that I've got the opportunity to do it too."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Alison or help in her fund-raising plight can contact her on 305241.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.