A Co Armagh teenager will travel almost 7,000 miles to one of the most deprived areas in the world to help abandoned children with special needs later this year.
Joanne Elizabeth McCrea, 18, from Hamiltonsbawn, will fly out to Uganda on her own in July, before spending two weeks with some of the most vulnerable youngsters in the country.
The former Markethill High and Royal School student began studying Occupational Therapy at the University of Liverpool in September.
But not content with summer break, Joanne opted to sign up for the Special Needs Care Project.
Speaking to Armagh I, Joanne said: “I have decided to take on the Special Needs Care Project to gain experience and help those who unfortunately don’t have the facilities and medical care that we have here.
“Some parents abandon their children because they have special needs and I just want to make a difference, however big or small, and get an insight to what their lives are like.
“I’m hoping it’ll be an experience I’ll never forget.”
Joanne has paid for her flights but is hoping to get help raise £1,000 for the project ahead of her visit later this summer.
She has set up her own GoFundMe page which you can donate to here. She also hopes to run a number of events over the next few months.
