Rochdale woman to tackle poverty in Nepal by volunteering for three months

Philippa Madgin Ramsden

A Rochdale woman is raising money to support a project tackling poverty in Nepal, where she will be volunteering for three months.

Philippa Madgin Ramsden, 26, will travel to Nepal on 16 January with international development organisation Raleigh International, as part of the UK government-funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme, which allows young people aged 18-35 to make a valuable contribution to sustainable development projects in Africa and Asia.

Philippa will work in partnership with young volunteers from Nepal and the UK to help lift some of the world’s poorest people out of poverty. She will also live with a local host family to fully immerse herself into the community and gain a better understanding of the challenges people there face.

Before Philippa leaves for Nepal, she needs to raise £800 for Raleigh International, which will ensure that communities in developing countries continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers.

Philippa, who has been accepted as a team leader on the programme, said: "I am looking forward to this life-changing experience on so many levels, firstly volunteering abroad and being able to donate my time to help other people in a less fortunate position has always been something I have wanted to do.

“Working alongside Nepalese volunteers is another exciting prospect as it's definitely going to be a challenge, but one with great rewards. [I will be] fully immersing myself within such a rich culture whilst working towards improving health and hygiene, contributing towards positive change around gender and also supporting young entrepreneurs from some of the poorest communities to develop their business dreams.”

So far, Philippa has completed a sponsored winter open water swim in the Lake District’s Jackdaw Quarry and a 50km bike ride through the desert in Dubai.

Her final sponsored challenge will be a 10km run around Hollingworth Lake before Christmas.

Philippa said: "I have already raised £540 from my fundraising activities so far. I hope that my final sponsored activity will help me to get a lot closer to my target of £800 by my deadline on the 20 December and hope that locally raising awareness and engaging with my village will make a positive impact too.”

On return to the UK, all ICS volunteers undertake an ‘Action at Home’ project, ensuring that their new skills also benefit their local communities. Nearly 40,000 young people from the UK have participated on the programme since 2011.

Philippa added: “Your support will make such a positive change for so many people in need of help.”

To support Philippa and help her reach her £800 target, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/philippa-madgin-ramsden-2020