A volunteer based at Leeds Trinity University has recently embarked on a three-week long trip of a lifetime to meet communities in Uganda who have been supported by the international development charity CAFOD.

Linguistics graduate Madeline Woods is devoting a year of her life to volunteering for CAFOD in her local area and will now get the chance to meet the communities whose lives have been changed by the fundraising of people in Leeds.

On her return, Madeline will share messages from the Ugandan communities she has meet with her own community - in schools, parishes and local groups.

Madeline, who is based in the Chaplaincy at Leeds Trinity University, said: "I'm really looking forward to my trip to Uganda, because I can't wait to learn more about the lives being lived in communities where CAFOD works with partners.

"I think it will especially give a real depth to the conversations I have about CAFOD when I return to the UK, because I'll be a living link between those supporting CAFOD and those benefitting from this support."

CAFOD's local representative in Leeds, Bronagh Daly, added: "We're so proud of Madeline's contribution and we are so excited to hear about her experiences in Uganda.

"It's great that she will be able to experience first-hand the work of our partners and learn so much about the people she meets in Uganda, and then be able to share this with so many of CAFOD's supporters back in the UK."

Madeline is part of CAFOD's Step into the Gap programme. Applications for next year's programme are now open. Find out more on theCAFOD website.