A SCHOOLGIRL who was hit by a van in Little Baddow is preparing to trek in Nepal to help those less fortunate than herself.

Chloe Mayo, 16, was involved in the crash while completing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in May 2014.

The accident took place after the van went up the grass verge at speed where she was standing.

She was rushed to Broom - field Hospital and treated for concussion and a large cut to the back of her head, which still sometimes bothers her now.

Chloe made a full recovery and only three weeks after the incident she was determined to still take part in the award.

The youngster has been accepted onto the trip and will be travelling to Nepal in August with other youngsters, to take part in work to help rebuild an earthquake-hit village.

The trip has been organised by the National Citizen Service, which works with youngster aged 15 to 17 years old to build essential skills for life and work, and the Essex Girls and Boys Club in Chelmsford.

Chloe needs to raise £2,500 for the trip through sponsorship.

She said: “I have always wanted to go to Nepal and see the sights and experience the culture as I am interested in the culture and country.

“I want to help others and make a difference to their lives as I have always felt that I am very lucky to have been born into this country and my family.

“I recognise that many people are not as lucky as myself and I want to help them.

“We will be going to Nepal in the middle of August and coming back early in September.

“I need to raise the money for the trip and I have currently raised about half of that amount so far.

“I think that it is very exciting. I do not know these people very well and I have not been abroad alone with people that I do not know very well.

“I think that is the part that makes me the most apprehensive of all.”

The student said she has al - ways been passionate about helping out others who are in need.

She studies at Southend High School for Girls where she mentors younger students who need support.

The village where she is going to help, called Barpak, was affected by the earthquake in Nepal in April 2015.

After the earthquake, only 10 houses out of a total of 1,200 were left standing.

The teenager, from Hullbridge, added: “I work with a maths sup - port group at school, where we help those who find the subject difficult - this can be different people all the time.

“I also work as a mentor for younger students who are studying sciences, such as chemistry.

“This is a bit different in that it is help on a one-and-one basis compared to the maths support group which is different.”

Chloe’s mum, Tina Mayo, 46, said: “We are so proud of her after what she went through with the crash.

“When she told us we were a bit concerned and but she is so determined to help others.”

To more information or to donate for Chloe’s trip, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ ChloeMayo