Fundraising teen is to go Down Under (From Penarth Times)

Fundraising teen is to go Down Under

A PENARTH teenager is heading for Australia to help raise money for children with terminal cancer.

Abigale Matthews, aged 17, from St Garmon Road, is taking part in the Oz Experience, organised by Cardiff-based charity the Joshua Foundation.

By raising sponsorship money, students can take a three-week adventure holiday to Australia to carry out conservation work.

The majority of what they raise will go towards the Foundation"s aim of providing once-in-a-lifetime holidays for terminally ill children.

The rest will go towards the cost of the trip to Australia.

Abigale, who is studying for her AS Levels at Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, recently raised £1,300 by organising a fancy dress party for friends and family with a disco, buffet and raffle, at Penarth Conservative Club.

She said: "I can"t believe how much money the party raised! It was a great night and everyone made a real effort with their costumes.

"I couldn"t have done it without help from my mum, Gayle, who has been busy organising sponsorship from local businesses on Cornerswell Road."

Abigale will be travelling to Australia with the Joshua Foundation in summer 2007.

Sarah Cornelius, who set up the Joshua Foundation in memory of her son, Joshua, who died of cancer at the age of seven, said: "It"s fantastic that Abigale is throwing herself into the fundraising, and having some fun at the same time.

"The money she raises will make a huge difference to the lives of young children suffering with cancer."

For more information about the Joshua Foundation, visit www.thejoshuafoundation.co.uk