A STUDENT heading to Nepal to help a school devastated by a massive earthquake is urging shoppers to support her.

Jess Whitehead, of Oakworth, Keighley, will use her civil engineering skills to help rebuild dormitories for schoolgirls in the Himalayan country.

The 20-year-old will be at the Airedale Shopping Centre on February 20 to raise cash for building materials and educational packs for children.

Former Oakbank School student Jess, who is studying civil engineering at Loughborough University, is aiming to raise £1,250 for the trip.

She is planning to run the Harwood Half Marathon on February 28 and has already raised £500 through selling bath bombs and holding a race night.

Jess said: “This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this. I ran the Keighley 10k for Manorlands a couple of years ago but this is my first big charity thing and it’s a lot of money to raise.

“I’m paying for my own flight so everything donated will go to the people who need it in Nepal through the Mondo Foundation.

“About £500 will go towards the ‘School in a Bag’ kits they provide, which contain enough equipment for a child to go to school for a year.

“The rest of the money will be spent on materials."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Jess should visit justgiving.com/jessicawhitehead3 or go to the Airedale Centre on February 20.