About me

Hi, my name’s Emily (Em) and I’m one of the 26 (there’s still space for 4 more…!) who will be taking part in ActionAid’s newest challenge, the Cambodia Community Centre build. For more information about the build itself, click on the link on the right.

There are a number of reasons why I am taking part in this challenge. I have been aware of ActionAid and their work for a long time as my Mum started to sponsor a child when I was born – and still does today.

When I finished sixth form and was looking for some gap year trips, I requested some information from ActionAid along with many other companies, charities and groups. At the time, though, the trips on offer were all hiking or biking, and generally quite short – I was looking for something a bit longer and a bit kinder on my (very weak) muscles! However, ActionAid continued to send me information, and one day a pack announcing the introduction of this challenge came through my door.

It is the perfect one for me – it doesn’t focus on fitness (I’m a gym phobic) and has a lot of involvement with the local community (we will be building with locals as well as each other, and being integrated in this way is impossible to achieve in a usual holiday). Plus, though I am lucky in that I have travelled a lot, I have never been to Cambodia or any of it’s neighbours, or in fact anywhere similar, and I am really looking forward to exploring a new and completely different culture. The idea of actually taking part in the building process really appeals to me too (even though I’ve never done anything like it before!), I love the idea that I – we – will leave a lasting impression that will help so many people – who really need that help - in years to come. That, and I like getting my hands dirty!

So that’s me! As I put at the top, the link on the right explains more about the actual build, and about sponsorship and donations (please!).