A BIG-HEARTED volunteer is to scale the highest peaks in Wales to raise money for the education of a young boy she met in Tanzania, and for the school he will attend.

Ailsa Stockwell, 22, met schoolboy Junior, who has learning difficulties, last year and was able to help him start at Pantandi School, for children with disabilities.

Now Ailsa, of Ringshall Gardens, Bramley, is taking on a sporting challenge to help raise hundreds of pounds to help keep the school’s boarding facilities open.

The marketing assistant will, along with four friends and her mum, take on the Welsh 3 Peaks challenge, in which they will hike 1,085m up mount Snowdon in north Wales, 893m up Cadair Idris in mid Wales and 886m up Pen y Fan in south Wales.

Ailsa, a former Queen Mary’s College student, is hoping to raise £600 through the challenge, which the team will take on this Saturday and Sunday. The money will be split between the school and Junior’s boarding fees.

Ailsa said: “With the correct support and education, Junior could make friends, and grow up to become a useful member of his community.

“Unfortunately, the school is struggling with funding, so may have to stop offering boarding, which would mean that many of the children would have to leave, and struggle through their local mainstream school, or stop education completely.

“People have been pleased to donate who would not be able to make a long-term commitment to sponsor a child.

“By joining together we can sponsor a child, and help the school and the other pupils there".

To make a donation visit gofundme.com/ juniorsschool.