BUILDING lavatories and water systems may not seem like most people's idea of fun, but for one Droitwich woman, it will be the recognition of a lifelong dream.

Lucy Marsh, of Florence Avenue, has always wanted to visit India to help out its poverty-stricken residents.

In January, she is hoping to do justthat when she jets off to the southern region of Tamil Nadu for five months.

As well as doing practical work, Lucy will also be setting up a women's group and educating youngsters - something she is well trained to do as a qualified teacher.

"I think India is beautiful and it breaks my heart to see how people are living over there," said the 23-year-old Kingsway English Centre tutor.

"An estimated 300 million out of India's one billion population fall below the poverty line, of which 75 per cent are living in rural areas.

"I have wanted to do a project like this for years but I have never found the right group to go with.

"Then my friend put me in touch with the charity Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) and I knew this was the right thing for me.

"SPW work focuses on the work which needs to be done, as identified by the community, rather than on what individual volunteers themselves wish to gain from the experience.

"Based in a local school, I will be involved in practical projects such as making smokeless stoves, pit latrines, silage and water systems and forming a discursive group which will address broader environmental and health issues.

"As well as educating young people, I will also be working in the community with women's groups - in India, still one of the most neglected segments of society."

Lucy has had to raise £3,300 for the trip. The money will mainly go towards funding the work she will do in India.

But despite sponsored events, such as a tandem skydive last Saturday and a quiz night, she is still short of her mark, and is asking members of the public for help.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Lucy or find out more about SPW should call her on 07980 290160.