A LINSLADE child carer is swapping her daily job with the town’s children for the dizzy heights of Kilimanjaro next week as she helps out youngsters in another country.
Gemma Leotta, who works at Cedars Day Nursery in Mentmore Road, is climbing the Tanzanian mountain from December 2 with 11 colleagues from around the Child Base Ltd company.
They plan to raise money for a charity called Ikamva Labantu which provides care and equipment to disadvantaged children in South Africa. Gemma said: “My company has already sent out a group to visit the area affected and to provide some toys and equipment, just to see for themselves how worthy this cause is and how important it is to the children.”
Since Gemma, 27, applied for the trip she has been training hard to prepare. She has joined Energie gym, goes trekking most weekends and has climbed Mount Snowden for practice. She has also been fundraising by holding quiz nigts, fancy dress days and a cake sale.
She hoping Leighton-Linslade people will give generously to the cause through her just giving page. If you would like to help visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GemmaLeotta
Gemma said: “I would really appreciate donations and/or sponsorship however small - every little helps as they say!”