AN AWARD-WINNING engineering apprentice with strong connections to the Welsh Borders conquered three of Wales’s highest peaks in just 24 hours to raise funds for a humanitarian mission to Africa.
Georgia Ellams, 19, a former pupil of Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen, completed the gruelling Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, scaling Pen y Fan, Cadair Idris and Yr Wyddfa ahead of travelling to Ghana this Christmas.
The Airbus apprentice, from Wrexham, is one of just 20 young people from across the UK – and only two from Wales – selected for the international project, which will see her spend two weeks helping communities in Accra improve access to education and clean water.
Her work will include supporting the construction of a rainwater harvesting system, providing a vital resource for communities facing challenges with water supplies.
The challenge marks another milestone for Georgia, who attended St Joseph’s High School before studying at Ysgol Dinas Brân, close to the Shropshire border.
She was named Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year at Coleg Cambria’s Student Awards this summer and is now working towards a first-class degree in Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering while gaining hands-on experience with aerospace giant Airbus at Deeside.
Georgia said: “The Welsh Three Peaks Challenge was a huge test, but I wanted to do something that would really push me and hopefully raise more awareness and support for the project in Ghana.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me so far. Every donation will help us make a difference to the communities we will be working with, so any contribution, however big or small, would mean a lot.”
Georgia will undertake the humanitarian mission with charity Village by Village as part of the prestigious Scouts of the World Award, one of the highest international honours in Scouting.
A Scout Leader with the Bishop’s Own group in Wrexham and Youth Lead for Wrexham Scouts District, she has been involved in Scouting since the age of five.
She also represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, building on years of volunteering, leadership and community involvement.
Her achievements reflect the opportunities available to young people across the Welsh Borders and neighbouring Shropshire, where engineering, manufacturing and aerospace continue to provide important career pathways.
Salah Berdouk, Curriculum Director for Advanced Engineering at Coleg Cambria Deeside, said: “Georgia is an exceptional Degree Apprentice who consistently achieves top grades, but what also stands out is her kindness, positivity and willingness to support others.
“Her involvement in this humanitarian project reflects her dedication and strong values, while her experiences in Scouting have helped shape her teamwork and leadership.
“We were delighted to recognise those qualities by naming her our Degree Apprenticeship Learner of the Year and are extremely proud of everything she has achieved.”
Georgia hopes to build on her success with a career in aerospace engineering, while continuing to make a difference through Scouting and volunteering.
To support Georgia’s fundraising and help her make a difference to communities in Ghana, visit: Village by Village – 3 Peaks, 1 Purpose: Rainwater Collection Project for Ghana.
