Masaka, central Uganda and far off the beaten track is where I hope to spend 10 weeks from January to March 2017.

Here I will be helping out in the Kitovu hospital, which is only one of six hospitals in Uganda that runs a specialist program to repair obstetric fistulas. Fistulas can be as a result of prolonged obstructed labour where damage to tissues can leave the mother incontinent, and in some cases unable to walk. Unfortunately 99% of cases also result in the baby's death. Fistula is common in developing countries because of poverty, malnutrition and distance from medical help and women with a fistula are often ostracized from society and have to deal with the physical and psychological problems of their condition alone. Thankfully they are easily cured with surgery. I hope to be working alongside specialist fistula doctors and patients and helping where I am medically able.

When I am not in and around the hospital, I will be volunteering in local orphanages, schools and on community projects. I will helping out in any way that I am needed, weather that be teaching or building. I am there to help as much as I am able.

My inspiration and reasons for making this journey are endless, but I shall give you just a few...
I have spent time volunteering in the SOS children’s village in San Jose and this inspired me to spend more time doing something to help others.
I want to do my bit, and more, to help those who have not been as privileged as I have with a family, education, healthcare and opportunities like this.
I want to explore different cultures and gain valuable life experiences
I hope to gain confidence, and use that newfound confidence to help others back here in the UK.

Finally, as long as I leave Uganda having had a positive impact on as many people as I can in any way that I can, weather medically, practically or mentally I will be thrilled.