Local student, Sian O'Doherty, is looking forward to a charitable challenge of a lifetime. A former pupil of the Welsh Unit at Tenby Junior School and Preseli School, Crymych, Sian has recently finished an art foundation course at Carmarthen College. But before pursuing a higher education degree in photography, 19-year-old Sian has decided to take a gap year and has managed to secure a place on the Raleigh International Youth Development Programme. With this organisation, Sian, of Tanglewood, Narberth Road, will be travelling to Malaysia in February 2006 for three months, where she will be taking part in a community and environmental project. As a venturer, she will be joining youngsters from the host country, working on a project that responds to a need identified in the area. "It may be working in a rural community, undertaking a construction task, such as building a school, community centre or medical facility, or it may be an environmental project such as collecting data to assist in conservation of protected areas and endangered species," explained Sian. "Raleigh International is a charitable organisation, and as part of my participation, I am required to raise a minimum of £2,995 for the charity and £700 for travel equipment," continued Sian, who will also be paying for her own air fare. "Money raised through fund-raising goes towards all the costs, from overheads in the UK to project materials in the country, and support for individuals in the projects," she added. Sian is now busy fund-raising towards the Raleigh International target. She is running a bonus ball lottery and is also planning a sponsored five-mile swim for the end of the year, as well as writing to local companies, trusts and organisations, appealing for donations. Already, Sian's neighbours have rallied to her fund- raising appeal, with Pat and Tom Hemsley giving her a big whisky bottle full of loose change. Anyone who would like to either join the 10-week bonus ball lottery, which carries a prize of £20 every week and is £10 to enter, accompany Sian in the swimming challenge, or make a donation to help raise funds for the charity and her own expenses, is asked to contact her at her home address.