Member Article

Borneo trip provides Andover schoolchildren with memories to ‘last forever’ with Hampshire housebuilder’s support

Two Andover schoolchildren have returned from a ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Borneo, and the young duo were happy to receive support from Hampshire housebuilder, Barratt Homes.

Lola Harvey (15) and Maddie Day (15) from John Hanson School in Andover embarked on the incredible Southeast Asian Island expedition with Camps International over the summer holidays, and the leading housebuilder ensured they could head off with £1,000 of sponsorship under their travel belts.

After a 4-week trip which saw the girls work on environmental and community projects in Borneo, trek through the Bornean jungle and adopt an orangutan called Zorro at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, they arrived back in the UK last month. The inspiring youngsters came back with heaps of stories to tell and have been adjusting to a very different pace of life back home.

Lola said: “This trip was an experience of a lifetime. It helped us find out just what we can do to help other communities and countries, and it was amazing to see a different part of the world and meet and work with so many wonderful people.

“When we learnt about the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans at the sanctuary in Sepilok, it hit us quite hard and that’s why, as a school, John Hanson decided to adopt Zorro, and we couldn’t be happier – he’s gorgeous!”

Maddie added: “This experience really was above and beyond what we were expecting, and we’ll miss Borneo and the friends we made. It felt very strange to be back home at first, and it took us a while to adjust to our normal life, but we have brought back so many great memories. It was such a special opportunity, and we’re so grateful to Barratt Homes for their support.”

Barratt Homes donated £500 each to Lola and Maddie ahead of their expedition, and it was through Lola’s mum, Katie Garwood, that the developer learnt about the schoolgirls’ epic expedition, and their £3,000 fundraising aim. Katie has worked with Barratt’s interior designers, Artspace Interior Design, for over 10 years, and has built up a great relationship with the housebuilder

Katie said: “I’ve worked alongside the team at Barratt for a number of years, and it was wonderful to receive the housebuilder’s support. Both girls are very grateful for the contribution, and I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Tammy Bishop, Sales Director for Barratt Homes Southampton division, said: “After hearing of this incredible adventure that Lola and Maddie were taking on, we had to help.

“Barratt are committed to showing its support to those living in the communities where it’s building new homes, and this was the perfect opportunity for us to do just that. It has been wonderful to hear how the girls got on and we wish them all the well in the future.”

And, with one of the expedition’s core objectives to assist with protecting wildlife and vulnerable habitats, this part of Lola and Maddie’s trip was also akin to what Barratt look to do at its developments across the region.

Tammy added: “At a time when much of the UK’s urban wildlife is in decline, at Barratt, we’re proud to be taking steps to pioneer a nature-friendly approach to home building. We’re committed to boosting natural habitats for wildlife and continue to take positive steps to build nature-friendly housing developments.”

Lola and Maddie are now back at school and are sharing their experience with their peers.

The schoolgirl’s Borneo expedition, organised by Camps International, started on 17th July and finished on 12th August. In return for Barratt’s sponsorship, Lola and Maddie wore t-shirts, which included the housebuilder’s logo, throughout their trip.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .