Perth student funds £5k Ugandan trip in two months

Nov 1 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A BIG-HEARTED Perthshire teenager has raised more than £5000 in two months to fund a once-in-a-lifetime trip to improve the lives of Ugandan children.

Jenny Cleeton from Abernethy originally planned a year-long fundraising campaign but has been left stunned after collecting the impressive sum in such a short space of time.

Raising the required £5100 through the hosting of a series of special events, Jenny will travel to the landlocked East African country in August to educate large classes of primary school pupils with the Project Trust.

With the help of friend and guitarist Jennie Fogg, the musical Perth High pupil sang in front of a 40-strong audience of family and friends to raise an initial £300.

Her cash pot was further boosted by generous donations, a clothes-swap event and several car boot sales before a money-spinning tournament at Blairgowrie Golf Club’s Lansdowne course generated £4100 to increase her total to £5300.

She told the PA: “I knew the golf day would raise me a lot but I thought maybe around £2000 so I was very surprised when I got £4100.

“It was a really good day and everyone was really kind and donated.

“I thought if I raised the money throughout the year that would really set me up for going.

“But it’s been full-on and now all the money is raised and I’ve got a break. I think I’ll focus on my exams now. My mum will be happy.”

Twenty-one teams entered the golf competition, paying £150 each. Prizes were donated by the club’s professional golfer and Ryder Cup official Charles Dernie.

And thoughtful Jenny (17) insists she will hold a few more gigs to boost the funds of her fellow travellers.

“I’ve got the £5100 for myself but Project Trust like it if you can raise more because that pays for people who can’t afford to go themselves.

“I think they deserve a gap year too because they are still doing something for others but just can’t afford it.

“My friend and I will probably do a few more concerts but we won’t charge people to come along.”

Jenny, who plans to return in 2013 to study journalism, admitted she was nervous despite looking forward to her trip.

She added: “I’ve got my first Ugandan flag now. It’s hanging up in my room.

“I’m really excited. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I’ll be living local.”

For more information or to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JennyCleeton.