Making Dreams Come True, Trip To Kunta Kinteh For My Bestie

Ebony Pickersgill Start Date: Jun 7, 2025 - End Date: Oct 6, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • The Gambia

My Travel Story

by: Ebony Pickersgill Start Date: Jun 7, 2025 - End Date: Oct 6, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
In December 2023, my mum booked a spontaneous trip for us to The Gambia. What started as a getaway turned into something truly life-changing when I met Mariam a beautiful soul who was working at the restaurant in the hotel where we stayed.

From the moment we met, we clicked instantly. Despite coming from different backgrounds, we found we had so much in common we’re both in our early 20s, working hard to support ourselves and our families, and we've both experienced the pain of losing a parent. Mariam opened her world to me showing me her family, her culture, her daily life and in turn, I felt deeply connected to her. She's become more than a friend; she's truly like a sister to me.

My mum saw the bond we built and surprised both of us with another visit in December 2024. It was unforgettable.The love, the connection, the warmth it’s something I carry with me every day.


-The Dream I Want to Make Real
This December (2025), I would love to surprise Mariam again but this time, not just with a visit, but with a heartfelt vacation right in her own country.

The plan:

3-week stay in a cozy self-catering apartment so she can still go to work if she needs to, but also come home to comfort, peace, and joy.
Treat her to special days out, filled with music, dancing, writing, good food, and new experiences.
Plan fun activities for her younger siblings, who she works so hard to support including trips to the arcade, small gifts, and moments of happiness just for them.
Most importantly: a trip to Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly St. James Island) a deeply historical site tied to her Mandinka roots. When we first met, she told me it was her dream to visit this place, to connect with her heritage and learn more about the ancestors who came before her. This is my chance to make that dream a reality for her.

-Why I Need Your Help
I’m currently taking on side jobs to save for this, but the cost of travel, accommodation, and activities adds up. With your support, I’ll be able to:

Book our accommodation
Cover local transportation
Plan a trip to Kunta Kinteh Island
Treat Mariam and her siblings to joyful, unforgettable experiences
Bring her the feeling of being seen, loved, and celebrated

-What You’ll Get in Return
As a thank you, I’ll be sharing:

Photos and updates from the trip
Stories from our experiences together
The smiles, laughter, and memories you’ve helped create captured and shared with all of you who helped make this possible!

-Why This Matters
Mariam is one of the most caring, resilient, and loving people I’ve ever met. She gives so much of herself to others, and this is my chance to give back. Even though she’ll still be working, I want her to feel what it’s like to be on the receiving end of love and kindness to feel like she’s on a vacation, even in her own home country.


-Every Little Bit Helps
Whether you can give £5, £50, or simply share this campaign, it means everything to me.

Thank you for helping me make this dream come true- not just for Mariam, but for her siblings and her family, too.

With love and gratitude,
Ebony
  • The Gambia