Anna O’Beirne

I’ve just finished my a-levels at St Joan of Arc where I studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths. I enjoy playing the cello and keeping fit and am currently training for the London Triathlon which takes place in August. I’m really looking forward to my gap year in which I will be working as a carer in a local home from August 2008 to January 2009 and am then hoping to go travelling for a few months. My adventures start with the Udayan trip in February. My brother, Tom, was part of the first trip to Udayan in 2005, and since then I have wanted to share the experience.

I have really enjoyed being part of the team to organise the fundraising evenings for Udayan and it will be great to see how the money raised has helped the children. The reality of the trip is sure to have an impact on me and I hope, as a result, to be able to make a positive contribution not only during the trip but also in the future.

I am applying to study medicine at university and plan to stay in India for another month after visiting Udayan to do work experience in a hospital in Southern India. I’m really excited about the trip, I think my stay in India will be a real eye-opener and an invaluable experience.