A MEDICAL student from Bridgwater is heading off to Papua New Guinea to work in a hospital.

Jennifer Ridenton, of Dunkery Road, has secured a place at Kavieng General Hospital this summer, assisting with the day to day care of patients.

The country suffers high rates of HIV and AIDS, and diseases such as cholera and malaria are endemic with the most of the people living in rural areas with few or no modern facilities.

Jennifer said: “Even before starting medical school knew I wanted to work overseas in developing countries.

“I travelled to India when I was 18 to help in hospitals there and saw how diseases which are relatively simple to treat can be such a major problem.

“It was quite shocking to an 18-year-old and it made a big impact on me.

“I want to go where I can really make a difference and use what I’ve learned to help those who need it most.”

Jennifer, a fourth year student at Peninsula Medical School in Plymouth, has to raise £3,000 to take the Papua New Guinea hospital up on its offer of a placement.

She needs to cover the cost of her flights, visas, insurance, medication and accommodation, as well as emergency money, and hopes Mercury readers can help.

“I could use any help to fulfil my lifelong dream to help and learn from others in developing countries, and to pursue my ambition to become a doctor,” she said.

“I’ve set up a gofundme page online which people can donate through and any help would be greatly appreciated.

“Even if people can’t donate, then just sharing my page will hopefully help me achieve my goal.” To sponsor Jennifer on her trip, go to www.gofundme.com/medicalelectivepng