A FORMER Kingsbridge Community College student is raising money for the Children’s Society by trekking through the Peruvian Andes.

Annabelle Perry is currently in her first year studying Chemistry at the University of Bath and, along with some of her peers, is taking part in an 11-day challenge to Peru where she will spend six days trekking towards Machu Picchu.

‘Stunning as this historic city is, the trip through the Peruvian Andes 4600m terrain will be a challenge.’ said Annabelle. ‘The reason I’m taking part in this trip is to raise funds and awareness for The Children’s Society, a UK based non-profit organisation that dedicates itself to improving the lives of underprivileged children across the country.

‘In the UK, a desperate young person goes missing from their homes or care every five minutes, a figure I find quite staggering.

‘Last year the charity worked directly with over 18,000 vulnerable young people, many of whom were suffering extreme neglect and abuse, and they bring life-changing support to more than 5.6 million individuals.’

Annabelle has organised her trip through ‘Choose a Challenge’ and has been given the target of raising £3,000 for The Children’s Society through her JustGiving page.

‘Every penny raised goes a long way towards helping children across the UK’ Annabelle added. ‘I have been taking part in sponsored 10km runs, multiple street collections and smaller fundraising activities such as bake sales and am determined to reach my target and do my bit to help this fantastic cause.’

To find out more about the Children’s Society, visit their website: www.childrenssociety.org.uk and to donate to Annabelle’s challenge, visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/annabelleperry or you can text ‘ANBL64’ followed by ‘£2/£5/£10’ to 70070.