AFTER a tough 2006, Naomi Henry is looking forward to the summer.

The 17-year-old college student and netball player, from Freshbrook, had to cope with the death of her grandmother Valerie and the shock of her mum being diagnosed with breast cancer during her GCSE exams.

But today, nine months on, she has been able to put all that behind her and has begun fundraising for the trip of a lifetime.

The former Greendown pupil has been chosen as a Global Young Leader.

As one of only a handful from the UK she will to travel to America for a 12-day trip giving her a unique insight into some of the most powerful organisations in the world.

Naomi said: "Last year was hard work. My grandmother died and then my mum was diagnosed with cancer. I ended up missing several exams because of funeral arrangements and things. My teachers were able to tell the exam boards and I was able to take on another date, but there was a lot on my mind during the exams.

"Despite that I think I made the best of them, and came out with the grades I wanted, and I started at college.

"I couldn't believe it when I was nominated for the Global Young Leaders trip and when the paperwork first came through I thought it was a bit of a hoax.

"But then I found out I had been nominated by my teacher and I was amazed.

"It really is exciting, I have been reading about what they do on their website and on previous occasions they have been addressed by the likes of Kofi Annan,."

On the trip they will be taken around Washington DC to visit war memorials, as well as some of the major embassies. They will also visit the US Department of State and meet represent-atives of the World Bank before heading to New York to visit the United Nations.

Now Naomi is fundraising to secure the £3,000 she needs to take up her place on the trip. But she doesn't have long, as she is scheduled to head off in July.

Mum Sharon, 44, who is now free of any traces of cancer, said: "Last year really was one of the most difficult years she could have gone through.

"There was so much going on as she took her exams, and she has done so well, and I think it's wonderful that her school recognised that and nominated her for what is a real trip of a lifetime."

Naomi has already written to several local companies asking for help and sponsorship for the trip.

If you can help Naomi, email her at naomihenry@hotmail.com