A big-hearted volunteer is heading to Africa to work on a variety of community and sports coaching projects.

Karen West, from Rushmere St Andrew, will be among a group of volunteers travelling to Woe in Ghana in November with the Ipswich Town FC Charitable Trust.

The 45-year-old, of The Pastures, will spend 11 days working in schools and health clinics in Woe, a deprived rural coastal area of the country.

She said: “I went to an information evening and there were some people there from a previous trip to Kenya.

“They said it was incredible and a completely life-changing experience so I signed up.

“I have never done a volunteer trip before but I have volunteered for the trust on educational trips. This is something completely different for me and will be a huge experience.

“My friends and family are all really supportive of me and it’s going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Miss West, who works for Aviva Insurance, has to raise £2,250 as a condition of taking part in the trip.

To help with her fundraising, she successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in May in 11 hours and 15 minutes.

She added: “The challenge raised £1,020 and my employer will be adding another £250.

“The money raised is predominantly for the work in Ghana but includes £700 for the trust’s work in the UK where they seek to inspire, motivate and improve the education and life chances of a whole range of people.”

She has also organised a quiz at Seckford Golf Club in Woodbridge on July 17 at 7.30pm and a tennis tournament at David Lloyd Leisure in Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, on September 7.

Tickets for the quiz cost £15 each including a hot meal. Call Miss West on 07851377095 to book a table or to take part in the tennis contest.

Anyone interested in donating should visit www.justgiving.com/Karen-West7