by Rebecca Hannant
A Burstwick teenager is raising money for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru.
Jessica Emerson, a year 11 student at Holderness Academy, is preparing for an expedition in the summer of 2026.
The trip, organised through a collaboration between Camps International and her school, will involve sustainable community projects including improving local schools and water systems, as well as other community-based initiatives.
Jessica’s mother, Lindsay, said: “They’ll be supporting the community, working on the school, improving some house systems, and they’ll also be doing the Machu Picchu trek.”
Jessica added: “I will be working on a variety of meaningful and sustainable projects, as well as undertaking the personal adventure challenge of trekking to Machu Picchu.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. A key aspect of this trip will be to improve living standards for a community including housing, welfare, food and water supplies and education. This will also give me the chance to live and work as part of a local team, giving me a unique insight into the challenges faced by rural communities.”
The cost of the trip is £4,720, and so far Jessica has raised nearly half of the required amount. Her fundraising has included approaching local businesses, while community groups such as Burstwick Women’s Institute and the Hedon Lions Club have also supported her efforts.
She hopes that by continuing to engage with the local community she will reach her target. To thank businesses backing her, Jessica will wear a T-shirt featuring their logos during the trip. One local dog groomer has already contributed and will have their logo displayed, and Jessica is now seeking further sponsorship.
Jessica, who is also studying Spanish as part of her GCSE options, says the trip will give her a valuable opportunity to practise the language while enhancing her CV and gaining additional UCAS points.
Lindsay added: “A lot of the work involves playing games, singing and dancing with children, which also helps improve their English. Since Jessica wants to become a teacher, this experience links perfectly with her future goals.”
Jessica’s Spanish teacher, Miss McConnell, said: “Having taught Jessica for the majority of year 10 now, I could list a thousand positive attributes that sum her up. She is incredibly hard-working, conscientious and a true joy to have in the classroom.
“Nothing is too much of an ask of Jessica, whether that’s completing her classwork to the best of her ability, supporting friends in any situation, and just generally being a positive influence on a person’s day.
“As Jessica’s Spanish teacher, I am so keen to see her embark on her very own Hispanic adventure to Peru, which will broaden her horizons not only from a linguistic point of view, but also holistically. The influence this trip will have on her language learning skills is immeasurable, plus a considerable number of transferable skills that will stay with her for life.
“She has already shown such determination and commitment in her fundraising journey, and I am eager to pass on just how proud everyone is and will continue to be of Jessica at Holderness Academy.”
Jessica now plans to take part in Christmas fairs and other events to raise further funds, while continuing to encourage local businesses to support her with raffle prizes and small donations.
To donate, visit gofund.me/5e97ee6c.