Guyana is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Linslade student

Now Kerry Lambourne of Leopold Road in Linslade just needs to raise the funds to cover the cost.

The former Cedars student says: “I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into getting the money together before June and can’t wait to begin the experience and all it has to offer – not just the sights I will be surrounded by but the entire lifestyle of being in a jungle setting, meeting native people and living in their culture.

“I honestly feel as though this trip is meant for me.”

She’s signed up for an ‘easy fundraising’ website which takes donations when people shop online and is keeping her fingers crossed she’ll be able to reach her £1,000 target for the two-week trip.

Kerry – who’s in her second year Cambridge’s Anglia Ruskin University – went to Shuttleworth College after taking A level psychology at Cedars.

She says: “Being on the animal management extended diploma at Shuttleworth allowed me to grow and learn more about the way animals behave and interact with humans – it has an animal unit with up to 400 species.

“I then chose the animal behaviour degree at Anglia Ruskin because of the friendly atmosphere around the area and study site.”

Kerry’s inspired by people who are passionate about their chosen subject and her idol is David Attenborough.

She says: “It’s always been my intention to go from being local to international and my drive and aspirations have been tailored through experience. I feel this expediton is the next step to further my career in the animal sector.”

She’s already researched what sort of clothing she’ll need for her trip and reels off a list: “I’m taking a few pairs of light nylon trousers, vest tops, some light breathable shirts, a sarong in place of a towel, sandals and walking boots.

“I’m travelling light, using only one back pack for the duration.”
All the items have been specially selected for their fast drying qualities, in case of sudden rain or lack of laundry facilities.

Kerry’s also reading a booked called Extreme: Why Some People Thrive at the Limits.

She says: “It has so many useful tips on how to prepare for exploration via mental, physical and material items – things like plugs to stop insects crawling into your ears while you’re sleeping and packing dry bags to stop clothes getting wet, even when the rain’s torrential.”

She’s also met up with a Guyanan woman at university. “She shared some local food and ginger beer and told ne stories of the local area,” Kerry says.

Kerry’s very involved in university life and volunteers at a variety of organisation like Shepreth Wildlife Park, Wood Green and the Blue Cross Cattery.

She says: “I meet new people every day and it opens more doors that I ever thought possible. Life is brilliant because new things happen all the time. You just need to keep your mind open and your eyes set on the horizon for the new experiences to come.”

> If you’d like to help Kerry get to Guyana, register at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kerrylambourne/