An ambitious group of Bracknell lads are set to head out on a trip of a lifetime with a 70-strong team of Berkshire scouts.

On July 27, Alex Hatherley, Matthew Swann, Philip Swann and Matthew Newton will be heading off to Malawi, Africa with the Berkshire contingent following months of planning and fundraising.

The scouting challenge will bring together the Berkshire scouts, who they will be helping work with a local charity and the local community to deliver various community projects.

Over the last eight months, the 15- and 16-year-olds have been working hard to fundraise for the trip.

As well as gardening jobs in the Summer and attending Christmas markets throughout the winter months, they will be taking to their static bikes this Saturday (10/9) in a sponsored cycle to hopefully bring in that last needed fundraising push.

The boys will be joined by Stephanie Newton, who has been supporting her son throughout his fundraising journey.

“Bracknell Leisure Centre has given them a prominent position in the lobby and they will be cycling from 7 am on Saturday until closing on Sunday," she explained.

“I take my hat off to him because last summer was taken up with jobs that he was doing for fundraising. He was out doing gardening jobs for about 90 percent of his holiday.

“During the Malawi project when he’s got three weeks away from parents, they all have to learn to do the cooking themselves, they’ve got the community project, and the last week they get some R&R. I think for any teenager it’s a once in a lifetime.

“In total, they have to raise £3750 which doesn’t include equipment for the trip, his injections, or a new passport so we’re hoping that this weekend will bring in a significant amount.”

The Malawi 2024 (Project Africa) is a Berkshire Scouts international community project and global awareness program.

As well as fundraising, the participants have been taking part in training weekends to prepare for the three weeks abroad.

Matthew Newton, 15, expressed his excitement at the prospect of heading into the unknown.

He said: “I’m feeling really excited about doing this because it’s a new experience that I will never forget.

The four Scouts will be completing the cycling challenge in Bracknell Leisure Centre on the 10th and 11th February.

If you wish to help the boys both fund their trip as well as help to fund the projects that they will be involved in click here.