A local man has raised almost £1,400 for the Children’s Society as part of his university’s charity Raise and Give programme.

Ed Saunders, 19, from Torcross is currently studying sports psychology at Loughborough University. As part of the University’s charity RAG programme, Ed has signed up to complete a physically demanding and mentally challenging 11 day trek through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp in aid of the Children’s Society.

The arduous trek, set to take place in September 2017, covers 62km from Lukla, Nepal, to Base Camp, covering steep and challenging terrain, reaching an altitude of 5,300m, where trekkers will be further hampered by lack of oxygen. However, keen rugby player and cricketer, Ed, is confident he is up to the challenge.

Ed said: “The trek is a brilliant opportunity to experience some of the most amazing sights on the planet, while supporting a wonderful charity to change the lives of vulnerable children for the better.”

As part of his commitment to the charity, Ed is required to raise £2,800. From this, £1,400 will go towards the cost of the trek and the rest along with any additional funds raised will go directly to the Children’s Society to fund their work in supporting abused, neglected and disadvantaged children.

The charity worked with 18,000 vulnerable children last year and has also campaigned tirelessly to change laws affecting children and young people to the benefit of 5.6m of them. In Devon, their project in Torquay specifically works with child victims of sexual exploitation and runaways, who are at high risk of grooming by unscrupulous adults. Ed’s fund currently exceeds £2,600 raised through a number of fundraising activities (coffee mornings, cake sales, bucket collections) and direct sponsorship.

In addition, to support this venture, on Friday, June 23 there will be a charity concert in West Charleton Village Hall at 7.30pm by the very talented musician and singer/songwriter John Connor.

Although John now forms half of the duo ’Silvington’ with Tricia Moore, he is still able to delight an audience as a solo artist. His repertoire of ballads, protest and comic songs, with a liberal injection of topical social comment, displays his expertise as a lyricist, singer and guitarist. Tickets can be obtained from Jane Saunders 07443 830483 or [email protected], or John Connor 01548 810806 or [email protected], or Kingsbridge Information Centre. There will be no bar, so please bring your own refreshments. Alternatively the landlord of the Ashburton Arms will be happy to sell takeaway drinks and glasses are available at the village hall. There will be a raffle with loads of great prizes donated by local businesses. This promises to be a great night out.

Ed also has a Justgiving page for donations and sponsorship : www.justgiving.com/fundraising/EdSaunders