A COUPLE from Winsford are organising a fundraising drive to raise money for a volunteering trip to Sri Lanka.

Will Wray and Amelia Sefton, will spend six weeks at Ruhuna’s orphanage, where they will work closely with the children, volunteering in both the orphanage and neighbouring community centre.

Amelia, who works as an actress and runs educational workshops in and around Winsford, said: “At Ruhuna’s orphanage there are 65 children currently being homed. It’s very understaffed and the members there work extremely hard.

“They only have basic learning equipment and extracurricular activities would not be possible without the funding and help from volunteers like ourselves.”

The 21-year-old added: “The educational workshops that I’m running include acting games and techniques that can help children with different issues, such as physical, mental, or even emotional difficulties.

“The results that some of my young performers have had have been life changing and I would love the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with the children and young adults of Sri Lanka.”

The pair will work with children of various ages, teaching them English and basic maths, as well as sharing their own experiences.

Amelia’s partner, 28-year-old Will, who works as a documentary photographer, said: “We’re really excited to meet the children and volunteer at the orphanage.

“We’ll be running photography and acting workshops with the children, and hopefully with our diverse knowledge we can both bring something different to the community.

“We’ll also be working with the children on projects, which they can continue to explore when we have left Sri Lanka.”

Will and Amelia will travel to Sri Lanka with the help of ‘Plan My Gap Year’, a company specialising in volunteering placements all over the world.

So far, Will and Amelia have managed to raise £1,000 for the trip but need the help of others to reach their target.

In order to reach the £4,000 needed, the couple has organised a fundraising event on Saturday, October 20.

Taking place at DeBees nightclub from 12pm to 6pm, the event will feature a variety of entertainment including live music, competitions, face painting and hot and cold food.

For more information, contact Will on 07837 854 095.