Malaysia 2025. The trip of a lifetime.

Hi, My name is Ella and I’m 14 years old and attend the Elizabethan academy in Retford.

In July 2025 I am lucky enough to be taking part in the world challenge expedition to Malaysia.

World challenge is an organisation that give students the opportunity to write their own stories, make their own mistakes, Live their own adventures, Learn and grow with peers and see the world with open eyes that are focused on those around them.

I am traveling with a team of 20 students from my school. Two of which are my best friends and I cannot wait to experience this trip of a lifetime with them.

The aim for the expedition is to help the hawksbill turtles after they hatch and help them to safely reach the ocean. With their striking patterned shells and long beaks, hawksbill sea turtles have been visiting Malacca’s beaches for centuries. Around 200-300 come to nest here every year but they are critically endangered because

of poaching, pollution and habitat destruction.

I’ll be joining night patrols along the beach

and lending a hand with collecting data. Helping with beach cleanups and building turtle hatcheries.

We will also travel through the Taman Negara rainforest and experience the lifestyle and cuisine from different cultures.

We will explore the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The trip doesn’t come without cost, A total cost of £3500.

Whilst I am fortunate enough to have parent who are funding the trip, Part of the experience is to learn life skills such as fundraising. I have set myself a target of £1000 to raise.

To help reach my goal I have been selling clothes, doing car boot sales, making Christmas hot chocolate cones and much more.

I am also taking part in the New lands horse shoe walk in the Lake District this July, a 10.7 mile walk with an estimated duration of 6-8 hours. I am hoping to get some sponsorships for completing this walk (for anyone who knows me it will be a big challenge as I am not a walker! So my family who are taking part with me will have an even bigger challenge listening to me moaning for 8 hours!!!

Another walk that we have planned as a team is to complete the Peak District version of the 3 Peaks which will consist of Win Hill, Lose Hill & Mam Tor. 

If anyone could help me reach my goal, any sponsors and donations no matter how small will be massively appreciated.

Thank you for taking your time to read this and I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.

Thank you, Ella x