Charity isn't about pity, it's about LOVE!
My Travel Story
I am 27 (almost 28) and reside in London, UK. I am currently studying Level 3 Animal management at Capel Manor college. For my second year I plan on studying the Extended diploma in Veterinary science and am determined to start at university in 2021 after completion. I have chosen to volunteer overseas for a number of reasons. Not only will these experiences add unique value to my university application but it is also something I am extremely passionate about and I can’t do everything but I can do SOMETHING!
A little about me……..
At the age of 16 I sat my GCSE exams with the intention of securing a place on a level 3 Animal management course at Capel Manor college. Upon receiving my GCSE results I realised I had done it and this would be the first step to becoming a vet as this had been my dream from a very young age. I was more determined than ever to chase it. I have had a passion for animals since before I could walk and talk , I was a bit of a crocodile hunter addict if im honest. I always have and always will idolize Steve Irwin.
You all know that most obvious but though provoking question…”What do you want to be when you grow up?”…..My answer was always I want to be like Steve Irwin. Animals and wildlife in general fascinate me beyond belief. This passion has only strengthened with age.
Around a year into my Animal management course I became homeless and I struggled to adapt to life as a vulnerable young adult so I was not able to complete the course at that time.
I was given B&B accommodation for four days and then moved into a supported hostel where I remained for ten months. During this time I enrolled onto and attended a Uniformed public services course at my local college, as this was the only course on offer that even remotely interested me. I just thought that maybe I couldn’t pursue a career with animals but I could at least get into a career where I was able to help people. Halfway through this course I applied to become a firefighter but was not successful. I gave up at this point, everything just felt pointless.
In May 2011 I was given the keys to my first ever home, where I still reside today.
In July 2012 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and for the next few years my life and ambitions were put on hold. When my daughter started education I found myself doing any jobs that I could squeeze into the life of being a single parent so I went from bartending and waitressing to stewarding and now security.
In August 2015 I developed Emetophobia, or the irrational fear of vomiting (I’ll let google do the honours of explaining this part haha) and believe me I know how ridiculous it sounds. In the two years following this I developed severe chronic anxiety and then I started to experience panic/anxiety attacks, sometimes multiple times a day. This phobia began to have a crippling effect on my everyday life and added extra stress to the existing stress of motherhood. One of my anxiety attacks lasted nine consecutive hours and that was the one that finally made me give in. Although at this point I had my own therapy pet, a ginger cat called Cayenne. See, in my times of need it was an animal that gave me the most comfort. He helped me without judgement (unless he was judging me in cat language, which im assuming is something he would never do anyway haha). He could sense when something was wrong and he never left my side. Even with my fluffy little therapist I was so tired and so drained, both mentally and physically. I could not physically eat because the anxiety made me so nauseous and my weight dropped drastically. This is when I tried to take my own life, a decision which I immediately regretted and I was lucky enough to get a second chance at life. I came to the heartbreaking realisation that I needed professional help and, against the advice of certain family members, I voluntarily admitted myself to Springfield university mental hospital and stayed in Jupiter ward for two weeks. My stay at this facility really helped me to find myself again, it gave me the time and motivation to decide if I was going to let anxiety wreck and control my life or if I was going to be brave and live my life to the fullest. This was, by far, the hardest and most terrifying decision I have ever had to make.
I chose life………..
Since being discharged I have managed to hold down a part time job (part time because I am in full time education) in security and have even managed to find a little work throughout this pandemic. I started medication for anxiety and it has allowed me to live life as comfortably as I can . Add the fact that I am also using other natural ways to help with this. As a result of being a survivor I have learned a hell of a lot about general mental health and anxiety/panic disorders so I have therefore been in a position where others approach me for advice and comfort.
In September 2019 I decided that not only was I going to finish what I started but I was going to take it further than I ever thought I could. So I applied and enrolled onto that very same Animal management course that I studied so hard for at the age of sixteen. I have already taken two exams and managed to get pretty good grades but I am planning on resitting them to at least attempt to get those perfect grades that I know I can achieve. This was the beginning of the rest of my life and I am so excited about what my future and hard work will bring.
Who knows where life will take me………..
These volunteering opportunities will, of course, be amazing experiences for me but another reason for me doing this is to show anyone with mental health conditions that their life is precious. I want to prove to others that their mental health DOES NOT define them. I want to prove to anyone and everyone that although they may be struggling right now, they can be anything and do anything if they put their mind to it.
So please donate to my cause no matter how little (I know covid 19 has royally fluffed most of us up haha). Every donation is appreciated more than you could imagine. I am in the process of creating a blog and a facebook page so that every donor will be able to follow my journey and actually see what their donations have allowed me to do. This will also be a way for me to keep everyone updated as well as take you all with me when I finally embark on my adventures!!!
Please share my campaign, especially if you know of someone or an organisation that would be interested in donating to my cause!!! My personal facebook is Stevie bubbaloo bexfield if anybody needs to contact me about my campaign until I get my blog and dedicated page up and running.
Thank you….Stevie! <3
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￡ 5,250
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Cost Calculator
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Application/ Deposit Fee
￡ 300
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Airfare/ International Flights
￡ 1,000
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Program Fee
￡ 2,000
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Medical/ Travel/ Accident Insurance
￡ 1,700
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FundMyTravel Site Fee
￡ 250
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