SOME university graduates go travelling, others secure their first step on the career ladder, but there are not many who undertake an expedition to Costa Rica to help build a school.

But that is exactly what former Saffron Walden County High School student Joe O’Gorman will be doing in January – if he can get enough support from the community over the next month to push him over his �3,124 fundraising target.

The 22-year-old, of Haverhill Road, Steeple Bumpstead, is facing a race against time to fulfil his dream of using an environmental management degree he received from Nottingham Trent University to help people in developing countries.

Having already completed a marathon and held a car boot sale last month, the enthusiastic youngster has arranged to host a party night at Cafe Zafferano on Market Hill, with a charity raffle that includes prizes donated by businesses in Saffron Walden.

“I hope that the expedition with Raleigh International will help me gain a better understanding of how sustainable development initiatives are implemented in developing nations like Costa Rica so I can apply what I’ve learned,” he said.

“It would be great to see as many people as possible turn out for the party night at Zafferano. I can promise it will be a lot of fun and there are lots of really cool prizes to be won thanks to the generosity and support of businesses in the town.”

Top prize is a seven night stay in a country house in Kenmare Bay, Ireland, donated by Skate87 on Gold Street, while others include a �50 voucher from Tesco, free haircut, free meal for two at Saffron Hotel and treatment vouchers from Lizzie’s Health and Beauty on Church Street.

Tickets for the party night on November 15 are �3 in advance and �5 on the door. Call Cafe Zafferano on 01799 525787 to book.

So far, Mr O’Gorman has raised �800 so far. He needs a further �2,300 by December 4. To support his expedition, visit justgiving.com/joe-o-Gorman.