Hi everyone,

I am going to Sierra Leone in West Africa, in January 2012, to volunteer for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). My placement is in a large maternity unit in Freetown, the capital city.

In the UK we are fortunate to have access to high-quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. In Sierra Leone there is a shortage of trained doctors and midwives, as well as other resources, and many women suffer serious health problems or die.

My role will be to assist in training local medical, midwifery and nursing staff in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. I will also be carrying out clinical work in the unit.

I will be in Sierra Leone for 1 year and I hope that I will be able to share knowledge and skills with people there, and make a lasting difference to the maternity care women receive.

VSO are a charity and we need to raise money to enable them to continue to send volunteers to work in communities sharing skills around the world.

I am going to be carrying out a number of fundraising activities locally but am very grateful for any donation you are able to give.

Thanks,

Carolyn