Weydon School students will undertake an expedition to Peru to help local communities in summer 2025.

Each student needs to raise funds of around £4,000 to be able to take part and Orla Danaher is one of these hopefuls working hard to raise the amount needed to go on the incredible journey. 

She began fundraising early by bringing up a business idea she had during the coronavirus pandemic which was to make and sell dog treats. 

Due to the restrictions at the time, Orla was not able to get the idea off the ground but was able to plan the product range and branding. 

The business is called A Mutt Above The Rest and she went around to local dog walking cafes and pubs in Farnham to see if they wouldstock her dog biscuits and accessories in the lead up to Christmas.

Despite her initial nervousness at reaching out to laces, every one of them said yes and she now has several outlets.

Including The Duke of Cambridge, The Belle & Dragon, Phil’s Cafe at Frensham Great Pond, The Holly Bush, Little Latte, Birdies, The Coffee Can and the Potteries. 

Orla said: “I have learnt so much from the people selling my treats, they give me really helpful feedback and have been so supportive. 

“I’m extremely grateful”.

Orla’s mother Louise added: “​​She has learnt so much through the experience!

“Experimenting with ingredients and different ways of storing and displaying her treats to help them last longer so that she doesn’t waste stock and trying out different pricing strategies and packaging.”

Orla also organised a quiz evening with her best friend and fellow student Hattie, who sells homemade lemon curd, marmalade and handcrafted cards at Prints For Peru. 

They managed to raise £1,600!

To make the icing on the cake, Orla is looking for local business sponsorship to buy space on her Camp International T-shirt which she will wear at every fund raising event and on the expedition itself. 

You can order Orlas’ dog treats, visit @muttabovetherest on Instagram or make a donation at https://gofund.me/e5a348dd