A CWMBRAN mum will travel to one of Africa’s poorest countries with Oxfam to see first hand the work the charity does.

Abbie Viveash, 48, of Croesyceiliog, was chosen following a UK-wide search, and will visit a Malawi project that aims to ensure the community has enough food by supporting them to grow more drought resistant crops and improve irrigation.

The former psychiatric nurse, who will leave her five children for the first time, applied for the trip on a whim and never thought she would be chosen because she is openly admits she is cynical about where money given to charities ends up.

The single mum, who is currently studying for a psychology degree at Newport’s University, said: “I’ve always thought that charities and Oxfam are worthy causes, but, I will hold my hands up and admit that I am one of the cynical masses that worry about where the money actually goes so I wanted to go on the trip to do just that, see for myself.”

But Oxfam hope the trip, which will be filmed and televised later in the year as part of the charity’s See For Yourself campaign, will change her mind and encourage others to join their fight against global poverty.

Although she admits to being apprehensive about the ten-day trip, which starts on July 31, Ms Viveash says she is looking forward to it knowing she has the backing of her children Natalie, 24, Karl, 23, Aiden, 17, Rowan, 15, and Alannah, 12.

You can follow Abbie's journey here:

You can also see her posts on facebook.com/oxfamgb

 

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