With tropical diseases and HIV commonplace, it isn’t easy working on a children’s ward in a West African hospital.
But that’s exactly what nursing student Amy Gathercole will be doing in spring.
Amy, from Honley, is booked to work at a hospital in the Ghanaian city of Takoradi, a four-hour drive from the capital Accra.
But Ms Gathercole, a former Honley High School student, has to raise £4,000 to fund the trip.
Amy, 19, will be working with 27 other student nurses, doctors and dentists.
The students, on Work The World placements, will work at the hospital for three weeks before working within the local community.
There they will help children with deadly tropical illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever and leprosy.
And while HIV is relatively rare in developed countries, the virus is far more prevalent in African countries, including Ghana where it is estimated that 200,000 children and adults are HIV positive.
But Amy, who is studying nursing at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, can’t wait to go.
So far she’s raised £1,000 holding car boot sales, a gig and a beetle drive.
Amy, nicknamed ‘Gav’, holds a gala ball at Huddersfield RUFC, Lockwood Park, on November 23.
The evening includes live music performed by 13-piece band Soulfingers, a three course meal, a raffle and an auction.
Amy said: “I’m a bit nervous about the long flight but I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“I know it’s going to be completely different to working in the UK and that sad things will be prevalent but I’m looking forward to it.”
Amy added: “I am excited about gaining more understanding about this healthcare, the culture and the different diseases that I would possibly never come across such as tuberculosis and polio, which are rare in the UK.”
For more about Amy’s appeal visit: www.facebook.com/GetGavToGhana - www.worktheworld.co.uk/
Tickets for the ball (£40) are available by emailing: amy_gathercole@hotmail.co.uk or calling: 07849 852284.
