Burgess Hill teenager fundraises for a '˜once in a lifetime' trip to America

Amelie Samarasinghe, 15, is one of nine youngsters from the area who have been selected.

All of them have been fundraising together, including a quiz night, a mega carwash and more. Each child has to raise £3,500.

Amelie, who won a music and academic scholarship to Roedean school in Brighton and who is a member of Glyndebourne Youth Choir, is using her music to help her.

She has been working with her school friends, Scouts and Glyndebourne, to put together a musical evening.

Many children taking part playing everything from violin to bassoon, classical singers and more.

To promote the concert Amelie will be singing live on Burgess Hill Local Radio 103.4FM at 3pm on this Saturday’s Saturday Sports show with Steve Bird.

He said: “[I’m] delighted to be able to support local young people and their fundraising efforts at our local community radio station.”

The concert is raising money for the World Scout Jamboree with any excess funds going to Mid Sussex District Scouts funds.

Robin Springer, district commissioner for Mid Sussex Scouts, said the jamboree is the biggest Scouting adventure. He added: “It’s a unique opportunity for Scouts to meet so many other young people, from so many different countries and cultures. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Mid Sussex District Scouts supports the work of 15 Scout groups and five Explorer Scout units in the area.

These Scout groups provide more than 1,400 young people with opportunities for outdoor adventure; learning essential life skills for life; and fun and friendships.

Scouting is open to boys and girls, from age five to 25.

Run by a network of volunteers, Scouting aims to help to change the lives of young people, helping them to build their confidence and self-esteem; developing skills for life, and enabling them to make a positive contribution to their local communities.

The Evening of Music with Amelie and Friends is going to be held on Saturday December 15 between 7.30pm and 10pm at the Mid Sussex District Scouts headquarters by Clair Hall in Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath. Tickets cost £5.

The children organised the evening and will sell refreshments on the night including mulled wine, and more.

There will be a mini raffle with lovely prizes. For tickets call Jennie on 07713403359 or email [email protected] quoting Amelie music concert fundraiser.