AN INTREPID teenager is looking forward to taking part in the journey of a lifetime.

Harvey Matthewson, who has cerebral palsy, is one of 25 young people chosen from 100 to take part in a month-long trip around Africa.

The trip, organised by charity Journey of a Lifetime Trust (JOLT), will see Harvey and 24 other young disabled or disadvantaged young people travel across the continent.

He will visit Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique during the four week trip, which he will begin on July 19.

Along the way he will get the chance to take on challenges including zip wires, canoeing, going on safari, helping out at a local school, taking on voluntary work, visiting a rhino sanctuary and lots more.

The 16-year-old, from Dummer, was chosen after a lengthy nomination and selection process.

His mum Zoe Matthewson said she was delighted he had been chosen for the exciting trip. She said: “He has done really well to be selected and all of the activities that he will take part in will be a huge confidence boost and help prepare Harvey for being more independent when he moves on to college in September.”

Harvey has already met his target of raising £650 in sponsorship for the trip, but Zoe said: “He wants to raise as much as possible. All the money will go towards the cost of the next JOLT trip in 2016.”

To help raise the cash Harvey, who attends Kings’ School in Winchester, took on the challenge of climbing up the Minors Trail of Mount Snowdon in June.

To sponsor Harvey, visit justgiving.com/ Harvey-Matthewson.