Angus pupil takes to the skies for genocide mercy mission

CHARITY: Owen raising funds ahead of volunteering trip to Rwanda

An Angus school pupil is to jump from a plane today to aid a mercy mission to rebuild lives devastated by genocide and poverty in Rwanda.

Owen Roberts, 17, is one of 12 Arbroath High pupils who are raising money to go on a volunteering trip with the charity Comfort International in June.

Comfort International was founded by Carnoustie man Callum Henderson and its aim is to support the recovery of people whose lives were torn apart by poverty, genocide and conflict.

While in Rwanda the pupils will be doing a lot of physical activity such as house repair, building, painting and field work.

They will also be visiting and supporting charity projects that include genocide survivor communities, street kids rescue and schools and education along with many others.

Owen said: “I feel extremely privileged to be given the opportunity to go to Rwanda.

“I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow peers to help improve the lives of others devastated by poverty which will give me a real sense of meaning and fulfilment.

“I am hoping to study medicine in the near future and feel such an experience is really going to help mould me into a better person and strengthen my ability to help others.

“I chose to do a skydive because I was trying to think outside the box of your typical fundraisers and it is something I have always wanted to do. So this was my perfect opportunity while raising money for such a worthy cause.”

Owen, who lives in Arbroath, will be doing a skydive in St Andrews and he is hoping to raise £600 through his efforts.

Donations can be made at justgiving. com/crowdfunding/owen-roberts

Picture: Paul Reid. Fearless Owen Roberts from Arbroath is to jump from a plane for the cause.