Due to personal reasons, I will no longer be going to Zambia in July.

For those who didn’t know my mum was in intensive care in Gambia recently, where I flew over for 12 days to try and get her home. Happy to say my mum is recovering well at home after a long hard process.

However as I missed time during placements etc I have decided I need to concentrate on making my hours up and meeting all my competencies to pass the year.

I did experience nursing in a 3rd world country and it opened my eyes and made me appreciate the NHS a little more, as we take for granted the resources we do have available.

The staff were amazing and often shown me procedures and explained interventions knowing I was also studying as a nurse. I became friend with doctors, nurses and family members and their relatives. Family members would sleep outside on balcony’s to be their for their patient if they needed to get medication, food, drink or to see the doctor.

I became a local Gambian within 12 days and everyday I would walk back and too to the hospital, getting meds, toiletries and food (racking up miles) and everywhere I went, every one would ask how my mum was. I felt safe and everyone I met was supportive.

I may not experience Zambia (Africa) like I wanted too, but I still got to experience Gambia (Africa) on both a personal and professional level.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support whilst myself and my mum was over their.

Before we left Gambia, my mum and I had helped fund a student nurse through their second year and also donated to a church as a way of giving back.

We have also arranged to send clinical supplies to the ward like oximeters, blood pressure cuffs and forehead thermometers (to prevent infection).

These are the things they desperately need.

So I wanted to ask for those who have already donated, would it be ok to use that money towards the equipment we will buy for the intensive care ward who helped save my mum x

If anyone else would like to donate pls feel free to get in touch. Many thanks

Kelly x