Philippa D’Netto was simply looking forward to basking in the sun when she booked her holiday.

But she is now embarking on a charity mission after learning more about her far-flung destination in The Gambia, and will be laden down with donated goods when she jets off next week.

Philippa, who is a PA in the postgraduate department at York Hospital, was reading reviews online of her chosen hotel in Basori, a large village of 15,000 people about 40km south-east of Banjul. Among them was a recommendation that holidaymakers take supplies for the local school.

After an exchange of emails, and reading about the charity Goal For The Gambia, which supports education and training, Philippa realised she could also help another local school, St John’s Deaf School.

Philippa, who lives off Huntington Road, York, immediately contacted a friend who works for Phonak, which manufactures hearing technology for children and adults, and was delighted when they donated 30 brand new digital hearing aids to the cause.

“That put me on a mission to get equipment,” said Philippa, whose colleagues at the hospital rallied round to help, including donations of hand-knitted baby wear.

“York Hospital’s audiology department have pre-programmed five analogue hearing aids for people with severe hearing loss and ten for moderate loss. I also have 600 batteries.”

Philippa also has a number of Temp Tips – temporary ear moulds – to take, but hopes to secure many more.

“The kids out there get a lot of old hearing aids sent to them, but not the moulds. That’s what I really need now. There are only about 49p each. I am hoping someone will donate them. Ironically they are the cheapest things I need whereas some of the digital hearing aids are £3,000.”

Philippa who is going with her friend Paul Disley, 40, a risk management financial consultant from York, also hopes to take blackboard paint for Basori Nursery School along with other supplies.

Anyone who can help with the Temp Tips, or other equipment, is asked to phone Paul as soon as possible on 07803509917.