Pupils fly out after donation

Mar 20 2008 by Moira Sharkey, South Wales Echo

YOUNG ambassadors who will represent Wales at an American conference will be given a presidential-style send-off thanks to a local funeral directors.

Courtney McCormack and Bethan Sexton have been chosen to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington.

And D J Evans Forse and Co Funeral Directors in Cardiff has offered to drive each student to the airport in one of their limousines as well as help pay for the cost of the trip.

The Whitchurch-based funeral directors made the offer of support after Mary Immaculate Catholic High in Caerau launched an appeal to raise £2,500 to fund the visit.

Bethan, 12, and Courtney, 13, have been invited to the conference next month. During their trip they will visit Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History.

They will examine the characteristics of American leadership, take part in group debates with students from around the world and be challenged to step into the shoes of some of the world’s great leaders.

The pupils were nominated by staff at the school.

David Brown, community business manager for the Whitchurch-based funeral directors, said: “When we heard about the appeal we wanted to help. We aim to support the local community and we are happy to help on this occasion. We have offered to take each student to the airport by limousine, to pay £250 towards their travel costs and give them £25 each in spending money.”

moira.sharkey@mediawales.co.uk