A teenager who will miss out on the trip-of-a-lifetime has donated the money she raised for it to the NHS.

Zoe Carter, 16, of Moorclose in Workington, had raised £700 to go to Tanzania with two other pupils at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the trip was cancelled.

And Zoe decided to donate the cash she raised to the Covid ward at the West Cumberland Hospital instead, after her teacher recovered from coronavirus.

Her mum Carol said: “Zoe was supposed to be going on July 12 for four weeks, she’s absolutely gutted. I dread that day coming round next week.

“I’m very proud of her for donating the money to the NHS.”

Zoe and her friends raised the cash through bag packing at Morrisons as well as by holding a race night.

The Year 11 student was due to take part in conservation projects while in Tanzania, as well as gaining her scuba diving certificate.

Mary Eldon, head of Year 7, had to spend seven days in hospital when she contracted coronavirus earlier this year.

Carol said: “Zoe is very proud of what she did, she’s gutted and disappointed not to be going to Tanzania, but with the current situation and her teacher having Covid, it seemed fit to donate the money to the NHS.

“I’m very proud of her for thinking of doing that.”

Jacky Kennedy, headteacher at St Joseph’s, said: “We are very proud of Zoe in making this decision to support our NHS, and recognise the fantastic work our local health workers are doing.”

After she was discharged from hospital, Mrs Eldon spoke out about the amazing support and care she received while ill.

And the school held a special clap for the people that looked after Mrs Eldon at the Whitehaven hospital after she was discharged.

At the time, Miss Kennedy said: “The clapping is a national thing but it has lots of meaning for us too. We are so grateful for everything the NHS and the West Cumberland Hospital have done for Mrs Eldon and all the other families. I’m sure so many of our community have been affected in different ways.”