Fife teens raising funds for orphanage trip

Cody Ironside (17), who will be joined by friend Francesca Donaghy, wants to help children in the coastal town of Abalangoda in Sri Lanka.

The pair have already started fundraising, as well as taking on part-time jobs, both as waitresses.

On Boxing Day the two friends ran into the North Sea, in commemoration of the people who died during the tsunami which devastated the country in 2004.

“We’re going to Sri Lanka to help in an orphanage,” she explained. “You help the kids with their school work. It’s also about being there for them and building up relationships. We’re both aspiring school teachers and this would help massively with our careers. We’ve both wanted to travel. And if you can travel and benefit your career, then that’s great.”

Cody’s mum Gina said she was “very proud” of her daughter, adding: “She just amazes me with everything she does. If it’s not passing exams with flying colours it’s trying to help people on the other side of the world. Her dad and I are very proud of her.”

If you would like to support the pair, visit https://gogetfunding.com/support-us-in-brightening-the-lives-of-young-people-in-sri-lanka.