Matron's African Aid Work

Ipswich Hospital matron Judith Shanks is heading off on a career break to Africa.

The Diagnostic Imaging department matron is going to Tanzania for three months to do volunteer work with children.

Judith is travelling with an organisation called Cross-Cultural Solutions and will work with children, either in an orphanage or in a school.

She said: “I’d been thinking about what to do next with my life and stumbled across this opportunity. I’ve never been to Africa before but have always wanted to. I have chosen to do something completely different to nursing.

“I’m aware I have so much materially, and family and friends around me, and I’d like to be able to help others who don’t, even if just in a small way.”

Taking just a rucksack, Judith’s only luxury items will be a camera and a mobile phone to stay in contact with her two daughters. She will live at a base with other volunteers where there is security and clean water but little electricity.

Previously a pool nurse, Judith has worked at the hospital for 15 years. She has spent 11 years in Diagnostic Imaging and will be back there in a year’s time.

After the volunteer project, starting in September, Judith will spend nine months travelling, including a visit to her home country New Zealand.