AN ILTON teenager has turned to the public for a final fundraising boost as she hopes to represent the country in a clash of global giants.

If she hits her target amount raised, Abi James will be off to South Africa to represent England at the St. John Ambulance International Cadet Camp and First Aid Competition

The fourteen year-old will be the youngest person jetting out for the trip, and it is her first time away from home by herself.

In order to be in with a chance to represent her country, Abi had to reach the rank of first aid corporal, be at least 14, and then go through a application process.

Her bid went before a panel of judges, who whittled down the hopeful cadets from 150 to 41.

If she raises the required cash, £1,800 then Abi will be joined by eight adults, including Sue Winter, Ilton’s unit manager.

Abi said: “I saw it advertised on Facebook, and then Sue told us about it as well, so I decided to go for it.”

Jenny Clampett, fundraising manager at the Ilton cadets, added: “You have to be 14 to go, and Abi is 14, and only turns 15 on the day they come back.”

So far, Abi and her team have organised a bingo night, a craft fair, a raffle and a chocolate Easter hamper to take her total over £1,000.

Now, thanks to a free weekend for activities donated by the Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster, Abi is hoping to reach her target.

Jenny added: “The Ariel Atom guys have given us this amazing prize, which is a look around the factory and a ride in one of the cars as a raffle prize.

“It is such a special prize, it will have its own raffle.

“We have cream teas, outdoor food, craft people, and a children’s story corner.

“The bee man is coming and giving talks.

“We will have hot dogs and burgers, and the town crier hopefully.”

If Abi is successful in her fundraising quest, she will spend two weeks in South Africa, from January 1 to 13.

During that time, she will be going on safari, visiting table mountain and heading to Robin Island.

That is in addition to the first aid competition, where the Great Britain team will go up against cadets from all corners of the globe.

That includes Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Wales and more.

Overall, around 400 people will be taking part in the competition.

Unit manager Sue said: “I am really proud of her.

“She has been a cadet for five years and she works really hard.

“This is something she should be really proud of, and it is an amazing opportunity for her.”

The final fundraising event is set to take place on the weekend of July 13 and 14.

The Chard and Ilminster St John’s cadets meet weekly at Merryfield Village Hall in Ilton, on Tuesdays from 6.30pm.

The group has around 20 members, with five of them qualified to join ambulance crews to provide first aid help.

To donate to Abi’s fundraising effort, visit www.gofundme.com/st-john-ambulance-competition-south-africa-2020.