Preparing for trip of a lifetime

A boy with a learning disability is raising money so he can take a trip of a lifetime to Iceland.

Dominic Evans, 12, of Halam Road, Southwell, will make the journey in June with pupils from Fountaindale School, Mansfield.

All seven youngsters taking part have physical or learning difficulties.

They will spend two weeks in Iceland taking part in challenges and activities including whale watching, visiting hot springs, a trip to a thermal power station, going to a beach to study the geology of rocks, an overnight camping trip and travelling by 4x4 to the edge of the ice cap.

During their stay, pupils will keep in touch with those at school, who were unable to make the trip, using the internet and satellite phone.

Dominic has global development delay, a condition that means his development is delayed in areas such as speech and language, motor skills and social and emotional skills.

Dominic’s mother, Mrs Diane Evans, said the trip would be an exciting challenge for him.

She said: “He has never been away for so long before.

“Normally children like Dominic do not get this type of opportunity so it will be a good experience for him.

“The trip will help them all develop important skills by being away from their parents and having to do things for themselves.

“Dominic loves geography and he loves travelling.”

Mrs Evans said Dominic had been taking part in training weekends to prepare him for the trip.

She said: “The only problem is the volcano has started erupting there so there might have to be some last-minute changes to where they are staying and what they are doing, but hopefully it will be all sorted out by June.”

Dominic said he was looking forward to the trip, especially whale watching. He also hoped to see dolphins.

Each child has been asked to raise £1,500 towards the cost.

A coffee morning at the Riverside Centre on Saturday raised £641.

Mrs Evans said: “There is not an awful lot Dominic can do because he cannot ride a bike and he couldn’t do a sponsored walk, but he decided he wanted a coffee morning so that is what we did.”

She thanked those who helped with the event including Mrs Honor Dunkley and the Riverside Church.

Mrs Evans said they planned to hold a car boot sale to raise more money.

Southwell Rotary Club, Southwell Lions and Southwell Care Project have also donated money.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact Mrs Evans by email at diane.7@btinternet.com