A YOUNG Pershore man will be flying thousands of miles to help tackle the problem of water shortage in Bolivia.

Joe Fowles, who is from Pershore and a former King’s Worcester pupil, has travelled to continents around the world to lend a hand, previously teaching English in India and working as a conservationist in South Africa.

But before he can embark on his latest trip to South America he needs to raise £750 to fund the materials, in-country transport, and training of Mano a Mano staff members out in Bolivia as he works to help the draught stricken country.

The 20-year-old said: "Having travelled briefly in Africa and Asia during my year out, I was incredibly keen to go to South America over the summer to see both its dazzling array of natural wonders, and its numerous cultural treasures.

"After experiencing some of the most abject poverty in the world whilst in India, I also wanted to make a contribution towards improving the lives of those far less fortunate than myself, and therefore wanted to combine my travel with a volunteer project."

Mr Fowles will be working with Oxford Development Abroad, a student-run international development charity at Oxford University, where he studies.

He will head to Bolivia, which has very long dry spells pushing much of the population to move away from the high altitude communities to shanty towns on the edge of large cities, putting pressure on the few public services that exist there.

"In order for the projects to take place, our volunteer team must raise close to £8,000. None of the money we raise will contribute towards our own travel costs, which we are self-funding. My personal challenge is to raise £750 by the end of May."

To help Mr Fowles visit virginmoneygiving.com/joefowlesbolivia. He is also holding a murder mystery night on Saturday, April 19, from 7.30pm at Pershore Sports Club. For tickets call 07843368383 or email joefowles99@live.co.uk.