Lynsey set for a mission to Malawi

NORTH Manchester community development worker Lynsey Cottle is on a mission to help African orphans and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Lynsey, 24, works for the Scarman Trust providing support for new and emerging communities around Cheetham, Crumpsall, Higher Blackley, Charlestown and Harpurhey.

She is preparing to take part in Mission Malawi 3 - a multi-activity challenge in May seeing her bike ride over 400 miles and then hike for two full days along Lake Malawi and into Mozambique.

The challenge is the brainchild of Blackley resident and BBC producer Les Pratt.

In 2006 the team raised £127,000 for the charity ActionAid's HIV and AIDS work in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Lynsey said: "I got involved through someone who fundraises for orphanages in Malawi. I have a big interest in overseas volunteering and just thought it was such a good opportunity.

"We want to raise awareness really. When I heard what people were doing to try and raise money I thought it was something a bit different. It's obviously quite a physical challenge.

"The epidemic with AIDS at the moment is so extreme. It's our way of doing something and putting ourselves through that challenge."

Lynsey is hoping to raise £3,2000 in sponsorship and has so far organised band nights, a fashion show and a poetry book to help reach the total.

She can be sponsored by visiting www.myactionaid.org.uk/lynseycottle