Two friends are about to embark on a trip to help orphans where conditions are desperate.

Rachel Corlett and Hayley Thomas, from Douglas, are raising funds to purchase medical and educational supplies which they will deliver to children in Nairobi, Kenya.

’We wanted to go somewhere where we could make a difference. We knew we could do that in Nairobi,’ said Rachel, a contestant in last year’s Miss Isle of Man competition.

The pair will leave the island for Africa in February. Rachel explained that the idea for the trip began a month ago.

’We were in the gym discussing this’ she said.

’We both said we’d be eager to do charity work together, so we thought "why don’t we just do it?".’

Both researched places which needed a lot of aid in the world and decided on Kenya as it ’is home to the most horrific orphanages’ Rachel said.

’What hit home the most was when we looked at the figures. A lot of the orphans are not actually orphans it’s just that their parents can’t afford to look after them.’

The friends will be working through an organisation called Agape Children’s Ministry.

Rachel explained: ’It’s a very dangerous place and so we have to go with an organisation for protection. Where we are going is relatively safe. We’ve been told by our organisation that psychologically there’s nothing we can do to prepare for what we will see.’

She added that leaving her six-year-old daughter for a few weeks will upset her, but that she feels it is important to share her memories which may lead her daughter to ’appreciate what she’s got’.

Rachel and Hayley have paid for their flights and trip expenses, but are hosting a Christmas quiz at the Horse and Plough on December 6 at 7pm to raise funds. Although sold out, they are still encouraging people to come down to take part. They will also be doing a Tesco bag pack on November 23.

For more information, search: www.gofundme.com/nairobi-orphange-trip?member=933770