A WEYMOUTH teenager hoping to help others on a trip to Africa has thanked the community for helping her fundraise.

Paige Sewell, 16, intends to cross Tanzania gaining experience in a wide range of different clinical environments next year and has until July to raise money for her trip.

Paige, whose ambition is to study midwifery at university, said the Africa trip would give her ‘invaluable experience’ in medicine and midwifery.

The former Wey Valley student is now studying biology, psychology, health and social care and travel and tourism at Budmouth College.

A fundraising event including a raffle, table top sale, games and entertainment will take place on March 29 at 1pm in the Littlemoor Community Centre - with prizes donated by local organisations.

The Southside Angels football team will be at the event and there will be a family voucher up for grabs from the Bovington Tank Museum among other prizes.

Paige added: “Recently, getting the balance right between working and studying has been difficult because I babysit and collect money plus chase items for sale – my feet hardly touch the ground.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped me fundraise for the trip so far, including events like my sister Shai-Ann taking part in the Christmas Day cross-harbour swim to raise funds.

“Being a former student at the Dorchester and District Amateur Boxing Club, I was invited to a reunion where I was guest of honour and given help towards my Into Africa work ambition.

“We’re all really looking forward to the fundraising event and there will be lots to do and see.”

While in Tanzania, Paige will learn about obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, birthing complications and emergency medical care for situations like road traffic accidents.

Paige decided she wanted to be a midwife after she was the birthing partner for her mum, who gave birth to Paige’s brother Keegan in January 2012.

The dedicated teenager has already raised more than £1500 towards the cost of the trip.

To help Paige raise the funds to get to Tanzania, call 01305 837473.