A YOUNG Arnside man is preparing to walk the Pennine Way to help rebuild troubled lives in Africa.

Sam Till, 22, will be lacing up his walking boots on Saturday, October 29, for the 14-day trek from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, via Hawes and Dufton.

Staying overnight at bunkhouses, campsites and B&Bs, Sam hopes to raise at least £1,500 for the work of Y Care International, the relief agency of the YMCA.

The former pupil of Dallam School, Milnthorpe, recently completed his Masters in chemistry at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and he decided to apply for voluntary work overseas while considering his future career.

Sam was selected for a 12-week placement in Senegal, on the west coast of Africa, through the International Citizen Service, which is funded by the UK government.

The keen walker and fell runner told the Gazette he expected the Pennine Way to be a challenge, but said: "I feel like I'm stubborn enough to get it done. With enough spare clothes and food I'll be able to get through."

Parents Nicky and Chris will be on standby, and one of Sam's three brothers, Alex, is to accompany him on the walk's first leg.

Sam said he was excited at the prospect of staying with a Senegalese host family. "It's something completely different to what I've experienced before when going abroad. It's going to be a complete culture shock but I just feel it's a fantastic opportunity. I would be kicking myself if I turned it down."

Sam's work is likely to focus on health and wellbeing, such as raising awareness of sexually transmitted infections and diseases such as malaria.

He is also keen for other young people to know about the worthwhile opportunities offered by the International Citizen Service, which is open to 18 to 25-year-olds. He stressed that the money he raises will be purely for charitable work, as his travel expenses have been paid for.

To find out more, see www.volunteerics.org and www.ycareinternational.org

To donate to Sam's appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sam-Till-ICSFundraising.