A BIG-HEARTED Cradley Heath student is preparing to spend the Summer in South Africa raising awareness

about AIDS and tackling poverty in townships.

Christian Kemp aged 19, will travel to South Africa and is running a five kilometre fun run to raise funds for his trip.

The student and his friends will be donning fancy dress and running from Merry Hill Shopping Centre to Stourbridge on Sunday, June 29.

Christian said: “My run is a way of making sure developing countries can continue to benefit from the work of future volunteers, so it’s vital I reach my target.

"I’ve been training hard to get as fit as possible, and so have my friends who will also be supporting me by running alongside."

The Bournville College student has been awarded a place on the government funded International Citizen Service.

He added: “The project I’m working on is run by the development charity, Skillshare International and aims to help raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.

"This is a unique opportunity to work alongside people from a different culture who have requested help from young volunteers to fight poverty and make a difference where it’s needed most. I’m really excited to get out there."

On return his return to the UK Christian will have to undertake an Action at Home Project to ensure his new skills also benefit their local communities.

To sponsor Christian visit www.justgiving.com/Christian-Kemp or text KEMP84 £(amount being donated) to 70070.