A 13-year-old Southport student who is helping to support wildlife conservation through an expedition to Borneo has been presented with £350 towards her challenge by the Dow Foundation.
A Dow Foundation spokesperson said: “Abigail is a student at Formby High School who lives in Ainsdale.
“Abigail will be participating in an expedition to Borneo in 2024, a four week trip which will include community development work, environmental projects and wildlife conservation.
“Diagnosed with autism only recently, it’s Abigail’s goal to prove that being autistic isn’t a barrier to helping others and that she is just as capable as anyone else and can achieve anything if she sets her mind to it.
“Abigail was looking for funding for her trip as well as to make essential purchases such as walking boots, a rucksack, sleeping bag and more.
“The Directors felt that Abigail’s cause was an inspirational request and were pleased to provide £350 to her in support of her cause.
“We wish Abigail all the very best for her expedition and will be keeping in contact with her in the run-up to her leaving as well as when she is away.”
The Dow Foundation is a charitable foundation established in the memory of Dowhigh founder Dominick Murray. The Foundation was set up with the strategic aims to:
- To reach as many of the community groups as possible to understand local needs
- To assist to improve small areas of local growth for the majority
- To promote and contribute to or in areas of health and wellbeing
- To support educational gains for the community population
- To support community groups to support themselves through sustainable projects
After approaching a range of local community groups as well as charitable organisations in the local communities in which we work, the Foundation received over 35 applications from worthwhile causes. The directors had a difficult decision to make, reviewing each of the applications on their merits.
After the final decisions were made, seven organisations were chosen to benefit, including Abigail Cowie.
The Foundation organisers invited representatives from each of the groups to join them on 19th May to receive their cheques at a lunchtime presentation at the Park Hotel in Bootle. In attendance were local MPs Peter Dowd (MP for Bootle) and Bill Esterson (MP for Central Sefton).
Wildlife-loving Abigail is working hard to raise £4,000 for her ‘Borneo Expedition’ with Camps International in 2024.
As she is autistic, the journey will be a big challenge for her – but one she is very determined to complete.
She said: “I want to show that being autistic doesn’t stop you from following your dreams or being able to help others.”
Abigail is now inviting people to support a forthcoming fundraiser, a Comedy Bingo Night which is taking place at The Ainsdale Club, 772A Liverpool Road, Ainsdale, Southport, 7pm-11.30pm on Friday, 1st July 2022.
Tickets, £10 each, include bingo tickets, and are available by calling: 07400324675 or email borneo2024@protonmail.com
People who can’t make it on the night are being invited to donate to Abigail’s GoFundMe page here.
She said: “I’m 13 years old and I have been invited to join an expedition to Borneo in two years time, during which I will be helping with wildlife conservation, and doing projects with the local community and help with education.
“It’s run by Camps International and I need to fundraise £4,000 to secure a place on the expedition.
“I’ve created a GoFundMe page to help me to raise the funds I need.
“Camps International projects help local people by planting trees, building community centres, employing local people and helping them get access to clean water.
“I would appreciate your help and any donation you can make, no matter how small.
“I am autistic and I used to feel like I didn’t belong in this world.
“With the support of my Mum and Dad and the move to Formby High school I realised I have so much to give.
“I want to show that being autistic doesn’t stop you from following your dreams or being able to help others.”
Abigail’s proud Dave Cowie said: “My daughter Abigail is going to Borneo with her school and Camps International
“ Abigail has to raise the funds herself. So Abi has organised a Comedy Bingo at the Ainsdale Club on 3rd June.
“Abigail is autistic and this is a big adventure for her to go on, she’ll be working with the communities on local projects, helping with education and work at the Orangutan sanctuary.
“Abigail knows it’s going to be a challenge for her but she will give it her all, she works hard and has strong morals.
“Abigail needs to raise £4,000. If anyone knows of anyone who would like to sponsor her that would be amazing – you can or support her by coming to her fundraising events, they’re gonna be awesome and lots of fun!
“Abigail has a GoFundMe page. If anyone else would like any more details please message me via Facebook.
“Thank you, a proud Dad.”
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