Rainforest adventure

BACKPACKED and ready to go . . . members of the team

A GROUP of teenagers have set off on the trip of a lifetime thanks to the Salvation Army Eden project.

Sixteen youngsters have gone to Ecuador, South America, where they will be helping with an environmental project and taking part in a trek through the Amazon rainforest.

The project involves helping maintain jungle paths and constructing tourist cabins and learning forest crafts.

The adventure is the highlight of an 18-month project which saw students from Fitton Hill and Hulme Grammar School learning from each other and raising their aspirations.

Hulme Grammar has been giving extra tuition to Fitton Hill young people in the lead up to their GCSEs, while Fitton Hill youths have been assisting at primary schools, visiting the elderly and gardening for vulnerable people.

Salvation Army leader Chris Neilson said: “During this project, the young people have learnt about problems of inequality all over the world and seen that opportunity and high aspirations are open to all.

“They have been encouraged to work hard and take hold of a brighter future for themselves and others.”

The youngsters have been fundraising for over a year with sponsored events, car boot sales and even selling their own possessions on eBay to raise £1,500 each towards the amazing trip, which will last three weeks.

A raffle for a signed Manchester United shirt raised £565 and was won by Jo Potter.

Mr Neilson thanked parents for their support — and also praised sponsors ROCA (Respect Our Community Awards), Villages Housing and Hope Citadel Healthcare.