<h1><strong>Fundraising event brings taste of Nepal to Ditchling </strong></h1>
A former student of Lewes Old Grammar School is raising funds for an once-in-a-lifetime expedition into the heart of Nepal with a series of events in Ditchling, East Sussex.

18-year-old Alexander Eastman has earned a coveted place on a Raleigh International Expedition, a voluntary scheme which offers people aged between 18 and 25 the chance to work within remote communities.

The expedition involves five weeks of community and environmental work, helping to rebuild houses and improve sanitation alongside village locals.

“I only found out I’d earned a place on the expedition two weeks ago,” Alex said. “The earthquake in April 2015 devastated large areas of Nepal and I’m excited to head out there and help out.”

To raise funds for the trip, Alex is hosting a Nepalese-inspired dinner. Alongside a Nepalese curry, attendees will take part in a Nepal-themed quiz night, a silent auction, and also have the opportunity to learn about the work he will be doing while abroad.

“I wanted the events to bridge the gap between England and Nepal,” Alex continued. “So much happens in the world that sometimes large disasters like the earthquake get forgotten about years later. I hope the events will encourage people to take an interest, and also raise the necessary funds.”

As a fellow Ditchling resident, Dame Vera Lynn has lent her support to Alex’s campaign: “I commend Alex for his fundraising efforts – it is wonderful to see a young person taking the initiative. I wish him every success with his fundraising, as well as with the Raleigh Expedition to Nepal. He is clearly a motivated individual destined for great things.”

Alex’s Nepalese lunch and dinner takes place on Saturday 30 September at Ditchling Village Hall. Tickets are £20 and can be booked by emailing: <a href="mailto:eastmana@hotmail.co.uk">eastmana@hotmail.co.uk</a> or by visiting Ditchling Post Office.

--End--                                                       14 September 2017

[gallery columns="6" ids="14790"]