In September 2019, as part of my third-year elective placement as a student nurse, I am going to Lusaka in Zambia for 4 weeks, nursing abroad with a company called Work the World!.

My time in Zambia will see me working in 4 hospitals on one campus; an adult hospital, a paediatric hospital, a mother and newborn hospital and a cancer and disease hospital. I will be able to gain experiencing treating conditions such as glaucoma, malnutrition, malaria, paediatric HIV and cervical cancer - one of the most significant causes of death amongst women in Zambia. There is also a burns unit, renal units, and non-communicable disease units.

So far, I have self-funded my placement, but as you would expect, it comes at a price; unfortunately, as a student, I cannot afford this through student finance and wages alone. I was also one of the many student nurses who did not receive the now-scrapped NHS Bursary, so I receive very little financial assistance. I am committed to funding most of the total cost myself and am seeking help for the remainder.

The money raised from this will go towards the flights to and from Lusaka , safe and secure accommodation in Lusaka , travel Insurance (which is more extensive due to the nature of the trip) , supplies and equipment (such as scrubs, dressings, bandages, gloves and other medical materials, which are often in short supply), and vaccinations .

This is a fantastic opportunity which will enable me to gain wider experience, helping to save lives and develop my nursing skills in an environment which is very different to what we have here in the UK. It will be challenging from both a professional and personal standpoint, but will allow me to grow as a student nurse. I believe this will also emphasise how important our NHS is and how lucky we are to have it.

Any donation regardless of the amount will be greatly appreciated, thank you so much for your support!