Norwich student Max prepares for trip to Gaza Strip

The tensions of the Middle East may not seem like an “exciting” opportunity to some people. But that is how 20-year-old student Max Slaughter has described his upcoming trip to the Gaza Strip.

Originally from Thorpe St Andrew, Mr Slaughter is one of 32 people chosen from more than 100 applicants to take part in Welcome to Gaza, a convoy of international media workers and volunteers heading to Palestine at the start of next month.

The aspiring journalist is studying for a BA Honours degree in International Relations and Politics at the University of Lincoln and will be going into his third year in September.

Mr Slaughter believes there will only be four or five others from the UK on the trip as applications were made from all over the world.

“I’ve never done any travelling before and the first time I do it’s in a war zone,” said Mr Slaughter. “So it’s exciting but I’m quite anxious as well. One of the first people I told said, you might want to invest in a bullet-proof vest, so I am excited about the opportunity but anxious at the same time.”

The trip will see the former Thorpe St Andrew School pupil film videos, write articles and promote international projects to raise awareness of what life is like in Gaza.

Mr Slaughter continued: “I am deeply passionate about the situation in Gaza and am always looking to educate and inform those around me who may not know much about what is happening.more

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