Two charitable Teesside Teenagers have returned from a visit to the Philippines where they saw first-hand the results of their fundraising endeavours.
Egglescliffe school students Heather Page and Amelia Thomas raised enough money to build three homes on Bantayan Island, before paying the island a visit to see for themselves the impact their hard work had had on the people living there.
The philanthropic pair even got stuck in helping install the roof and painting the exterior in order to finish off the last home.
Amelia Thomas said: “It was fantastic to see the houses actually completed after working so hard fundraising. I’m pleased that we were able to make a positive impact on the lives of people who live so far away.”
The girls also visited a nearby islet which has no mains electricity apart with the exception of the school, which has a generator. They brought 100 solar lights all the way from Teesside, purchased using funds they raised themselves, to light up local homes.
Heather said: “There’s no electricity on the island, so it was great to be able to hand out the solar lights. Everyone who we have approached about donating lights has been really supportive and we’ve just sent over another £300 worth, thanks to a donation from Icon Plastics.”
Mark Page, Middlesbrough FC matchday announcer and father of Heather, said: “It was inspiring fundraising by the girls. Handing over the houses to the families on location in the Philippines was an important moment for them.
“The girls are already looking at following this up and sending solar lights directly to the islet, which has no mains electricity, in the hope all families there will have some free evening light. I am very proud of the work done by Heather and Amelia, especially as they are both just 15.”