She taught dance and drama to children and stayed with a local family.

“My children had grown up and I wanted to do something different with my summer holiday,” says Alison, a teacher who lives in Pinner, Middlesex.

“However, at the time, my husband was out of work so I did something I have never done before. I asked friends and family if they would consider donating money to me so I could help teach children in India.”

She raised £1,000, which covered her flight and accommodation (arranged by GapGuru.com) and Alison then just had to cover going-out expenses and lunches.

“There were plenty of ATMs, so I used my bank debit card to access money but I spent next to nothing,” she says. “I didn’t drink alcohol, I drank local fruit juices, used rickshaws to get around and ate cheaply.”

Alison, who has two children and a grandson, got an Indian SIM card for her mobile phone and kept in touch via email and texts.

“Living with a local family was a highlight,” says Alison. “It meant I was able to participate in experiences such as a ceremony to bless their son before he set off on a pilgrimage.”