A PURFLEET student is jumping at the opportunity to raise funds for a charity trip to Africa this July.

Tom Lyon, 16, is to bungee jump at a specialist centre in Windsor on Sunday as he attempts to raise the £3,400 necessary to fund the trip, where he will be helping to improve the living standards of deprived communities in Mombassa, Kenya.

Tom, who attends the Campion School in Hornchurch, said: “I believe this is a small investment that will enable me to represent my peers, school and borough in a positive light.”

He added: “We will be improving the standard of living for local, economically challenged communities by helping to build schools, teaching, or helping the people agriculturally.”

Tom, who was specially picked by his school for the expedition, has so far raised £1,800 towards his fundraising target. He has also approached local businesses for sponsorship and raised funds through cake sales and raffles.