A TEENAGER from Swindon is preparing to head for Africa, to help children with Aids.

Ruth Wheeler, 19, from Pilgrims Close, in Watchfield, will be going with not-for-profit organisation, Frontier, to Uganda in May to work with children orphaned by Aids.

"I was about 16 when I came up with the idea of wanting to help underprivileged children," she said.

"I've always been interested in volunteering and helping people.

"I guess I wanted to do something that will really make a difference.

"I looked around for non-profit charities and chanced on Frontier, who I thought were the best charity to go with. I told them I wanted to be out somewhere I could really help children.

"I didn't want to go on a adventure holiday, I already had Uganda in mind, but I wanted to see what they would suggest, and they told me that Uganda would be the best place for me, as it had an increasing population and a growing number of orphans with Aids."

It is estimated that there have been more than 1.5 million children in Uganda orphaned by Aids.

Many support agencies say they have been overwhelmed by the volume of children needing help.

Ruth decided to act after taking a year out of her fashion course at university and before she started training as a teacher.

During her time in Uganda it is expected she will be helping children learn English, as well helping with other community projects such as painting and building.

Her mother Barbara says she is extremely proud of her daughter.

The trip is costing Ruth £2,500, which includes vaccinations, flight tickets and travel insurance.

To raise the cash, Ruth has been babysitting and selling primroses.

She is also working as a nursery assistant at two different nurseries so she can gain more experience in working with young children.

But now she is asking businesses and residents across Swindon to dig deep and help her raise the cash she needs to go on the trip.

To find out more about her fundraising effort, or to make a donation, contact Ruth at rufus_wheeler@hotmail.com.

"If I come away having made a difference to one child's life, that will be enough for me," she added.