A Plaistow woman will brave an obstacle course, sprint through a muddy bog and host a charity games night to help tackle poverty in Rwanda.

Ese Akpobi, of Wanlip Road, will spend 10 weeks volunteering with development charity Challenges Worldwide, as part of the UK government-funded International Citizen Service (ICS) programme.

The 23-year-old needs to raise £800 before she jets off in April – and needs your help to reach her fundraising target.

“I’ve never volunteered in Africa before, so this will be a new experience for me,” she said.

“I’m really excited to be involved.”

Ese will work in partnership with Rwandan volunteers within a local business to help create a jobs and a sustainable income for their community.

She said she will also be living with a host family to “immerse herself” in the culture and “gain a better understanding of the challenges they face”.

With 10 per cent of donations already raised, she’s taking on a sponsored 5km obstacle race in Stratford.

The gruelling Tough Mudder course involves crawling through a cargo net, shimmying over a 10ft wall and hauling a teammate down the course on a stretcher.

In a less heart-pounding way to raise money, Ese’s also holding a games night next month.

The charity event in the Swift Centre, Plaistow, starts at 7pm on Friday, February 16. Tickets are £5 and available on the door.

“I’m most excited about meeting the Rwandan volunteers we’ll be working alongside, it’ll be really interesting to find out what life is like for local people there,” Ese added.

After returning to the UK, Ese and other volunteers will take part in a scheme aimed at making their new skills benefit their communities.

More than 13,000 young people aged 18 to 25 have taken part in the venture since 2011, according to ICS.

“Ese will be joining thousands of other ICS volunteers who are doing amazing work around the world, every day,” said director Felicity Morgan.

“We’re incredibly proud that UK aid is supporting young Brits bring about positive change in some of the world’s poorest communities.”

You can donate here.