A Hampshire housebuilder has provided two Andover school pupils with £1,000 of sponsorship towards a trip of a lifetime to Borneo.

Barratt Homes, which is building new homes across the county, heard that Lola Harvey and Maddie Day, both 15 and from John Hanson School, are participating in a four-week expedition to the Southeast Asian Island, and wanted to show its support.

The young duo will be embarking on the incredible trip in July 2022 with Camps International. It will see them working on several environmental and community projects and will include a five-day trek through the Bornean jungle.

Lola and Maddie will also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where they will learn about the great ape’s habitat and the impact that deforestation is having on their species.

Barratt learnt about the schoolgirls’ epic expedition, and their £3,000 fundraising aim, through Lola’s mum, Katie Garwood.

Katie has worked with Barratt’s interior designers, Artspace Interior Design, for more than 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’s wonderful to be receiving their support. Both girls are very grateful for the contribution.

“Construction will play a big role in Lola and Maddie’s expedition as they work on improving local community facilities, as well as a local school. They will be building, plastering, and learning new skills.”

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To show its support, Barratt Homes has donated £500 to each of the inspiring youngsters.

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 is the perfect opportunity for us to do just that.”

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 is 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 getting ready for their trip next month. Both are excited to experience the different lifestyles and cultures of Borneo.

Lola said: “This expedition will give us the opportunity to learn how other people live, help us understand about the planet and environment, and also learn how to help an educate others about what we can all do to make a difference.”

Maddie added: “I love the outdoors and exploring new places and cultures. We are both excited to be a part of this wonderful life changing adventure.”

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The schoolgirl’s Borneo expedition will start on July 17 when they arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and will finish on August 12. They will camp along the way, experience spectacular scenery, will learn crafts and techniques from the locals, and will even learn to set up their own hammocks along their five-day trek in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. They’ll get stuck into community projects and will experience traditional Borneo dishes.

In return for Barratt’s sponsorship, Lola and Maddie will be including the housebuilder’s logo on the Camps International t-shirts they will be wearing throughout their trip.

To find out more about Barratt Homes, visit barratthomes.co.uk.

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