A TEENAGE epilepsy sufferer from Crosland Moor has won the trip of a lifetime.

Sarah Buckle, 15, is one of 24 youngsters chosen by the Journey of a Lifetime Trust (Jolt) to travel to New Zealand.

Jolt, a tiny charity based at Harrow, north-west London, offers trips to children who are disabled, disadvantaged or who have been abused and neglected.

Jolt is run in the belief that the action- packed trips will give youngsters a sense of achievement and confidence to cope with their problems.

Children from around the UK were nominated for the New Zealand trip. A shortlist of 79 youngsters was drawn up and the nominees travelled to Harrow for interviews.

The final 24 were then chosen.

Sarah was nominated by Dr Alex Hamilton, of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, who treats her for epilepsy.

She was diagnosed with the illness as a toddler, but as she grew older it disappeared.

However, she suffered a major blow when it returned four years ago.

Her mother, Erica, said: "She outgrew it, but it came back. She does suffer quite badly with it and is classed as disabled."

Despite her health problems, Sarah also acts as a carer for her mother, who suffers from mental health problems.

Erica said: "She really deserves to go on the trip. She likes the outdoors and they will be going white water rafting, whale watching, flying in helicopters - doing a whole list of things."

But before Sarah jets off on the 28-day trip on July 10, she faces another challenge.

She has to raise at least £600 for Jolt and find cash to pay for travel costs for an induction weekend at Harrow in May.

Sarah has already organised a fundraising talent show at Moor End Technology College, where she is a pupil. A junior disco and sponsored silence are also planned.

Anyone who would like to help Sarah should phone Erica on 0798 406 8541.