Thatcham teenager launches £2 summer trail to help fund Ecuador and Galápagos expedition

A Thatcham teenager is raising money for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands by organising a series of affordable summer holiday activities for local families, including a town trail, craft sessions and a fundraising raffle.

A Thatcham teenager is inviting local families to enjoy a range of affordable summer holiday activities while helping raise money for a life-changing expedition to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

Charlie is aiming to raise £8,000 to take part in a four-week expedition with Kennet School and Camps International in July 2028. During the trip, participants will help build sanitation facilities, plant trees in the Amazon Rainforest, support conservation projects and take part in beach clean-ups in the Galápagos Islands, contributing to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To help reach the fundraising target, Charlie has organised several family-friendly events throughout the summer holidays.

Throughout August, families can take part in the Thatcham Summer Trail, an interactive adventure around the town where children hunt for QR codes, unlock the next location, collect secret letters and solve a mystery word. Everyone who completes the trail will be entered into a prize draw to win a family ticket to 4 Kingdoms. The trail costs £2, with all proceeds going towards Charlie’s expedition.

Charlie is also hosting Summer Craft Sessions at Thatcham United Reformed Church Hall on 31 July and 28 August, from 10am to 12pm.

Children can enjoy crafts, biscuit decorating, LEGO, Play-Doh, an animal trail, refreshments and a craft stall. Entry is by a minimum donation of £2 per child.

There is also a fundraising raffle, which will be drawn on 1 August. Local businesses have donated a range of prizes, including a £100 Amazon voucher from Premier Home Improvements, Vue Cinema tickets, a Bucklebury Farm Park family pass, two hours of table time at Rocket Propelled Games Board Game Café and several other prizes. Tickets cost £5 for five entries.

Charlie said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to visit Ecuador and the Galápagos and make a positive difference. Every trail completed, every craft session attended and every raffle ticket bought brings me one step closer to making this amazing opportunity possible.”

As well as helping fund the expedition, Charlie hopes the events will provide local families with fun, affordable activities to enjoy during the school holidays.

More information about the Thatcham Summer Trail, Summer Craft Sessions and the fundraising raffle is available at charliesecuadorexpedition.carrd.co.

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