A STUDENT hopes to raise more than £4,500 to fulfil a dream of spending a year helping orphans in South Africa.

Sian Taylor, from Harrowgate Hill, Darlington, is volunteering with the Project Trust charity.

Sian, who is studying A-levels in biology, chemistry and religious studies at Carmel RC College, was selected following interviews at the charity’s headquarters on the Isle of Coll, in the Hebrides.

Sian, who hopes to study biomedical sciences at Newcastle University after her gap year, needs to raise £4,660 to take up the placement.

She is eventually hoping to work in medicine and medical research.

She said: “I am really looking forward to it. It is a bit daunting raising all the money because it is so much, but I have always wanted to travel. My motivation is making me more determined to raise the money.

“I want to raise awareness about the problems of people in South Africa and help them as much as I can.”

Sian will raise funds with a sponsored skydive and a fashion show at her college.

To help her, call the college on 01325-254525.