A BRATTON Clovelly teenager will be taking part in a the gruelling Wadebridge triathlon next month to raise money for her gap year in Nepal.

Jenny Rice, 18, a former pupil of Okehampton College, has been selected to go to Nepal next January for six months as an ICYE (Inter-cultural Youth Exchange) volunteer.

Jenny will be living with a host family and working as a volunteer for RDCP-Nepal, which supports some of the most disadvantaged people within the mountainous country.

Jenny will spend her time working at an orphanage near Katmandu, where she will be involved in the daily lives of the children.

Jenny said among her responsibilities will be to teach health and sanitation, run activities and games and prepare the children for school.

Jenny needs to raise £2,850 to enable her to participate as a volunteer, this will pay for flights, insurance and living costs in Nepal. A proportion of this amount will also enable a young volunteer from Nepal to travel to the UK and work with a social charity aiding the homeless or disabled.

The Wadebridge triathlon, which takes place on Sunday, October 3, consists of a 400m swim followed by a 15-mile bike ride and finishing with a 5-mile run.

Jenny is currently in training for what will be only her second full triathlon, having previously competed in the Okehampton event earlier this summer. Although she is a recent convert to the sport, the newly subscribed member of Exeter Triathlon Club has always been a keen swimmer.

Jenny said she had been fascinated by the country of Nepal after her uncle had been part of a two-week trek in the Himalayas to raise funds for Whizz-kidz.

ICYE UK is a registered national charity working in the area of youth development and giving young people the opportunity to help and support disadvantaged individuals all over the world. Through these exchanges volunteers promote peace, cultural understanding and youth empowerment.

After Jenny returns from her gap year placement, she will take up her place on a degree course at UWIC in Cardiff, studying science in health, exercise and sport.

Jenny is hoping to raise around £500 in sponsorship through the triathlon.

For more information or to make a donation please contact Jenny Rice on 01837 871216 or