A DETERMINED humanitarian is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds so he can directly take the fight to poverty and impact the lives of the less fortunate.

Stefan Tomov, 23, from Colchester, is planning on heading to Tanzania, in East Africa, in June, where he will spend three months working on a life-changing project.

The inspiring trip is spearheaded by the Voluntary Service Overseas, which operates as part of the government funded International Citizen Services programme.

If Mr Tomov manages to make his once in a lifetime journey a reality, he will work alongside young volunteers from both Tanzania and the UK.

During his three-month stint, he will assist in lifting some of the world’s poorest people out of poverty, by helping develop the country’s communities.

He will also fully immerse himself in the culture by living with a local family, which will help him gain an understanding of the challenges facing the country’s population.

But before he can guarantee his place on the frontline of poverty, Mr Tomov needs to first raise £800, which will help ensure volunteers can continue to travel overseas.

So far, he has managed to generate £400, after receiving a grant from the Jack Petchey Foundation, and could still receive a trust scholarship.

But until he knows for sure, he now plans on raising the remaining amount by organising a series of fundraisers and talking gruelling events.

"Fundraising is always challenging,” he said.

“But I am hoping that through sponsored physical challenges, like marathons, I will be able to win some support.

“I am doing a city-to-city run from Colchester to Ipswich, and other fundraising activities.

“I am confident I will be able to reach [the targeted amount] if I put in the work.”

The young volunteer was inspired to travel to Tanzania after seeing first-hand the affect providing help can have on the spirits and futures of people living there.

His mother had spent time in the country herself, where she was responsible for bettering and sustaining the health of locals by working as a nurse.

Mr Tomov is now determined to follow in the footsteps of his mother by making a difference to the people who need it most.

“Seeing the culture which I have previously heard fond recollections of is definitely high on the list of things I'm looking forward to,” he said.

“Nonetheless, I'm most looking forward to working with people from the community.

“VSO is all about working with and in support of the community, and not pushing projects that weren't asked for.

“The opportunity to contribute to on-going, effective development work is what is most attractive about the whole ICS program."

To sponsor Stefan visit justgiving.com/fundraising/stefantomov.