A SELFLESS Ulverston charity worker has become the director of an African non-governmental organisation after funds donated by Furness residents helped her achieve her dream.

Hetti Sansom, 26, first travelled to Malawi last year when the sudden death of a close friend inspired her to take the life changing plunge.

Since her first visit, the Ulverston born fundraiser has been determined to continue making a real difference to the lives of women and children living in rural areas.

Currently based in the port town of Nkhata Bay, Miss Sansom has recently been selected to run Ellotte Future, a charity which helps vulnerable children and orphans.

Inspirational Ulverston charity worker heads to Malawi

She said: "I would like to thank my friends and family and supporters for helping me return to Malawi, and for supporting me personally as well as the voluntary work.

"This is an amazing opportunity with so much potential depending on successful funding.

"I would be really grateful if people could get behind me once more and help lift the organisation off the ground.

"It's an amazing opportunity for me personally but also for hundreds of Malawians living in extreme poverty who will benefit from our projects."

The charity is in the process of building of new classrooms and toilets for their youth projects but need more donations to complete them, and allow them to hire local staff.

As well as submitting funding proposals to multi-national companies, Miss Sansom is planning a trip home for Christmas and hopes to continue her fundraising on home soil.

Raffles, bake sales and events held in Ulverston last summer helped her to buy stationery and toiletries for 63 orphans and issue 135 girls from rural areas with reusable sanitary pads and menstrual health education.

Sudden death of friend inspires Ulverston woman to make life-long wish a reality

She was also able to help buy equipment for a school and provide materials for an HIV support group.

If you would like to help Hetti or find out more information, go to

www.gofundme.com/2sy8zjw