A MOTIVATED teenager is fundraising for a month long trip in Ghana to teach young children and help build houses.

Jake Timothy-Dorward is set to fly to Ghana’s capital, Accra, on May 4 and will return home on June 2.

The 18-year-old, who is a keen boxer and football player, decided he wanted to broaden his horizons and help the wider world after The Royal Navy suggested he develop his leadership skills.

He said: “I was looking online at volunteering programmes and decided that Ghana would be the best option as it’s low risk and high on need.

“I can get involved in several different projects when I’m there, volunteers can teach young children basic maths and English and get involved in construction projects, helping build homes and carrying out repair work.

“There’s also an opportunity to help improve sanitation and work with orphanages.”

The former student at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, in Darlington, will spend four weeks in the country, and is raising money to fund flights, accommodation, vaccinations and food.

He added: “I’ve already raised around £800 in three weeks by myself because I don’t want to be completely dependent on other people.

“I sold my PlayStation and it’s my birthday soon and any money I get for that will go towards the fund too.

“I walked up and down my street with a collection tin knocking on doors and explaining what I was doing and I raised another £60 doing that.

“My employer has also been very supportive and has put out a collection tin for me there.”

Mr Timothy-Dorward, of Willington, near Crook, recently changed jobs to allow himself more time to fundraise. He is hoping the experience from his trip to Ghana will help him launch a career with The Royal Navy.

“I’ve never done anything like this before but you have to be brave and take risks to grow as a person," the teenager said.

“I am hoping that this experience will prepare me for a career with The Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer.

“It’s important to me that I push on and keep improving myself and taking chances where I can.”

A race night will take place at The Cornerhouse on Hope Street, Crook, on April 1, with all funds going towards the fund.

The teenager is also looking for donations of old clothes and toys to take to the children in Ghana. For more information or to donate visit facebook.com/ghanaproj