Two members of Girlguiding Nottinghamshire are taking part in projects overseas this Autumn, though Beeston’s Katie Farrell (right) and Eastwood’s Franki Cripps (left) will be experiencing very different challenges.
Katie Farrell (30), a Guider in Beeston, leaves for China on 23 September to spend ten days walking the Great Wall of China to raise funds for Girlguiding. She will be part of a party of 30 Girlguiding members and supporters from across the UK and has to raise £2950 before she goes. She’s nearly reached her target, having been busy over the last few months with activities ranging from a Eurovision sweepstake and a games/coffee morning to wearing a panda costume when she passed the £1,000 milestone!
‘I decided to give something back to Girlguiding, as the charity changed my life,’ says Katie, explaining why she decided to embark on the trip. ‘Guiding has given me – and many other people – opportunities in life which we would not have had otherwise and it gives girls a great experience, regardless of their background or abilities, as well as letting them have fun!’
By the time Katie leaves, Franki Cripps (26), Assistant Leader with 1st Eastwood Rainbows, will already have spent several weeks in Mexico on a GOLD project (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development). Part of a team supporting peer education and developing girls’ leadership skills, Franki will also be helping to recruit, retain and train local Guide Leaders. Her team originally intended to work in Peru but were re-assigned to Mexico at the beginning of August following floods in Peru – a move which added to the challenge! Their blog can be followed at www.goldmexico.wordpress.com
‘Guiding is very special to me!’ says Franki, who has been appointed First Aider for the team. ‘I am so excited to share my own experiences, learn from others’ and broaden my knowledge of international guiding.’
The first challenge for Franki was to raise £1850 towards the cost of the trip. Her fundraising has included a bake sale, a quiz night and a coffee morning and she’s also been ‘selling’ dates in her diary, with a cash prize for the one drawn out at the completion of her campaign.
Katie and Franki can be supported via their JustGiving pages – visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/KEFarrell42 and www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Francesca-Cripps
‘I’m delighted that such diverse opportunities for international experiences are open to our members,’ says Girlguiding Nottinghamshire’s County Commissioner Jackie Brocklehurst. ‘We look forward to getting updates from Franki and Katie about their adventures and wish them both well in their fund-raising efforts.’
