Schoolboy fundraises to take toys to Kenya

A North Yorkshire schoolboy has thanked his local community for their support in helping him raise funds towards a humanitarian trip to Kenya.

Charlie Vart, 13, will travel to Nairobi and Nakuru in June, where he will help to teach in schools and assist in infrastructure building projects.

The teenager from Melsonby, Richmond, signed up to the eight-day African Adventures trip through his school and hosted a breakfast event in his village to fundraise.

Charlie said he was "well on the way" to hit his £500 goal thanks to the support of his generous neighbours.

"We sold more than 100 bacon and sausage sandwiches, 70 cakes and lots of cups of tea," he said.

"I also managed to sell some artwork I’ve made to create a bit more money too."

His parents Rachel and Richard Vart have supported him during his fundraising and manned the barbeques for the breakfast event.

Once in Kenya, Charlie said he would be helping with various projects while also getting the chance to see wildlife and learn some Swahili.

"I want to see some of the difficulties they face and build on some of my teamwork skills," he said.

"I’m fundraising to buy toys, sports equipment, and personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and toothpaste to give to kids so they have a better quality of life."

Charlie will be joined by some of his school friends, who also signed up for the experience.

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