A HEALTHCARE assistant is travelling to one of the world’s poorest countries to volunteer in the community.

Anne Eddery, 24, of Norton, will go to Bangladesh to deliver healthcare and advice. She currently works for Ryedale Homecare.

She said: “I fully believe my placement will change me as a person, make me more appreciative of life and the free medical aid available in our country, as well as standing me in good stead for when I begin my nursing studies in September at Teesside University. I wanted to get more experience working with young people, and what a great place to do it.”

The placement, run by the International Citizen Service, is part-funded by the Department of International Development, but she will be fundraising to help make up the cost. Her target is £800.

To this end she has chose to run the Yorkshire Half Marathon on April 9 - despite having had a badly injured knee - and also did a raffle on April 21.

She said: “The reason I chose to run a half marathon is due to having a horse-riding accident last year that left me needing an operation on my left knee, which took place on July 1. I was told not to pursue any running for at least six months, but with the help and support of Jack Berry House I regained full range of movement quickly, and was able to jog lightly within three months.”

She added that Jayne Lightfoot, her care manager had been very supportive and given a donation to the cause.

Ms Eddery will be leaving for Bangladesh on May 8 and returning on July 24. The organisation she is raising money for, Y Care International, work to support vulnerable young people around the world. Her fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/anne-eddery92