A STUDENT from a village near Shipston is preparing to spend six months in Mozambique in what he predicts will be a “lifechanging”

trip.

Jake Hudson-Wood, aged 18, from Tredington, has been chosen by the Baptist Missionary Society to be part of a four-strong action team working at a boys’ orphanage just outside of Beira from September. Jake, who is about to complete his Alevels at King Edward VI school in Stratford, needs to raise almost £4,500 to fund the trip.

He said: “The orphanage is for boys up to the age of 18 and aims to give them the skills they need to get jobs and earn a living as these children are the future of Mozambique.

“I will also be working with the local community of Beira, from teaching English in schools to working on construction projects with the community.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to experience another culture such as this, and I really appreciate all the support I have received from my local communities.”

Jake has received support from Stour Valley Baptist Church, Shipston, which he has attended from a very young age.

He is also organising a fund-raising quiz evening at Newbold-on-Stour Village Hall on Saturday, June 22, at 7pm. The evening includes a twocourse dinner and tickets are available by calling his mum Kelly Smith on 01608 664865.

Jake’s cricket-mad dad, David Wood, who works for the Journal, is also hoping to raise funds by getting sponsored for every run he scores for his home team of Ashtonunder- Hill this summer.

Jake added: “To help raise funds I have made a JustGiving page which allows people to easily and safely support my trip by donating some money.” Anyone who would like to help Jake can visit justgiving.co.

uk/jacob-hudson-wood