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

Sian Taylor, from Harrowgate Hill, in Darlington, is volunteering with Project Trust, a charity set up in the 1960s which has worked in more than 50 developing countries.

The 18-year-old, 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 Hebredies.

Sian, who is hoping to study biomedical science 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 be raising funds by doing a sponsored sky dive and organising a fashion show at her college.

Anyone who would like to help her raise money should contact the college on 01325-254525.