A Clacton woman is set to walk the 98 mile coastal path of the Isle of Man next week over 5 days (12th-16th), carrying all she will need on her back, to support a project that tackles poverty in Zimbabwe.

Kelly Diggle, 22, will travel to Zimbabwe in January to work on the development programme for 10 weeks.

Kelly will team up with Zimbabwean volunteers to tackle some of the problems facing the local community, after getting a place on the government funded International Citizen Service (ICS).

ICS allows young people aged 18-25 to contribute to long-term development projects in countries like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and Nepal.  The scheme offers young people the chance to develop personally and learn about team working and leadership on projects that are of genuine value to communities around the world. On return to the UK, ICS volunteers undertake an ‘Action at Home Project’, ensuring that their new skills also benefit their local communities.

Kelly Diggle said: “My long distance walk is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my ?800 target.  I have been training hard and getting used to the weight I will be carrying – I’m hoping everyone will give generously as a result of my effort!”.

“The project I’m working on is run by the development charity, Progressio and aims to help people in developing countries gain power over their lives and overcome barriers that keep them poor. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it’s needed most. I’m really excited to get out there.”

To sponsor Kelly visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/diggledonation

To find out more about ICS or to apply, visit www.ics-uk.org.uk or call 0208 780 7400.