A DIABETIC schoolgirl is raising funds to help tackle poverty in Ecuador and for a diabetes charity with a hair-raising skydive.

Rebecca North, from Richmond, will travel with 29 other pupils from Richmond School to Ecuador to improve community facilities, refurbish local schools and create employment opportunities for the local people in July 2014.

Rebecca, 16, will be teaching English and helping with construction, as well as providing support for organic coffee and cacao farming, planting food trees for bears, addressing human-bear conflict and habitat protection.

She said: “We will go on the trip with Camps International programme. I really want to go so I can experience everyday life in Ecuador and to take part in the work that other charities do.

“I will participate in a marine conservation programme, which will include protecting mangroves, improving a community run aquarium and enhancing a small island for the benefit of the wildlife.”

To raise cash, Rebecca has already held cake sales at North Yorkshire Police offices, walked 17 miles in a bear suit and took part in the Richmond School fireworks display with her classmates, raising a total of £2,680.

She added: “I am doing a sky dive in February with my friends. I will be raising funds for my trip and have decided to also raise for Diabetes UK as I am diabetic myself.”

Rebecca is also holding an auction of promises in February.

To donate visit Rebecca’s website at www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/skydiving-for-ecuador/.