Largs student Kelsi raises cash for Uganda charity mission

Kelsi Butcher, who is studying social work at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, decided to take on a massive fundraising challenge to improve the lives of people in Uganda.

However, it hasn't been plain-sailing for Kelsi as she lives with fibromyalgia and chronic headaches.

It was only when she had a nursery placement during her second year of university that she realised that she would love to help disadvantaged children get education.

Kelsi is taking on a massive challenge to raise money for her lifetime trip to Africa (Image: Newsquest)

The former Largs Academy pupil told the News: "It was in my second year when I did a placement at a nursery and ended up really enjoying it.

"An opportunity came up within the course to volunteer abroad, but part of it is that you have to raise quite a lot of money.

"I knew I wanted to go for it because it is giving back to charity, but also going back to basics by showing how other people in disadvantaged countries live.

"I just want to go over there and make an impact. I realised that we can take for granted the education we receive.

"It would be such an eye-opening experience because we are very privileged. I have only ever been abroad once so I am super nervous but excited."

The 20-year-old is determined to prove to herself that she can raise money for this life-changing trip (Image: Newsquest)

The university student recently recovered from pneumonia and is expected to get her tonsils removed this month. 

The 20-year-old has been raising money by running, cycling and swimming the length of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa.

"I did think about not going on the trip altogether because of my health condition," Kelsi admitted.

"But I am determined to go out there and prove to myself that I can do things that I didn't think was possible. I ended up missing a lot of university because of my condition.

"Being active is of the things that keeps me quite stable and I would say I am an active person.

"I thought running 237km which is the length of Lake Victoria would be a great way to promote my fundraiser and challenge myself.

"I still have moments where I struggle with my health, but I refuse to let them hold me back in life. Even now my lungs aren't at full capacity, but I am trying to push through."

Kelsi is raising money by cycling, swimming and running the length of Africa's largest lake (Image: Newsquest)

The former Poundbasket employee is hoping that the people of her home town will support her in raising funds.

She continued: "I grew up in Largs and it has a strong sense of community which I am super grateful for. The continued support and the network makes it feel like I am taking them on the journey with me.

"It will be lovely for people who might not know that I am trying to do this. I will always have a part of Largs with me wherever I go."

Kelsi will be heading off to Uganda in July, and while there she will be creating playgrounds and play based education for children within a small community.

She will be part of a group of volunteers with the charity Play Action International, who aim to create opportunities for disadvantaged children to learn, develop and heal through play.

Businesses in Largs are also welcome to give a monetary donation to have their logo on Kelsi's shirt which she will wear throughout her trip.

Kelsi is aiming to raise a total of £1,750, and is already more than halfway towards her target.

To donate to Kelsi's fundraiser visit her JustGiving page at tinyurl/justgivingkelsibutcher.