Nicola Spence (24), who is studying at Stirling University's Highland campus at Raigmore Hospital, is teaming up with three fellow students to work on a six-week voluntary project in Zambia.

She will be looking after children and adults with learning disabilities in a care home.

But to help her fulfil her dream, Nicola, of Drakies, Invernes, needs to raise between £1,500 and £2,000 to fund the trip.

Nicola began her career in social care with Highland Council but through her work became aware that fellow social workers couldn't always do as much as they might have wanted to help their clients.

But she did see the positive difference nurses could make to patients' circumstances and nearly four years ago applied for a place on the Stirling University student nursing course.

Nicola, a former Raigmore Primary and Millburn Academy pupil whose family also has ties to Alness, said: "I was hoping to go into the army when I qualify next year and had planned to go in as an officer. I've learned this isn't possible because it would mean going in at charge nurse level - a position with too much responsibility for someone with my experience.

"Now I will be joining the army at basic entry level before applying for officer training.

"Many Sandhurst officers have done some voluntary work abroad so I think I'm on the right track."

Stirling University already has connections with Zambia through its sports studies programme. Sports volunteers who have worked in the region have asked for help from their colleagues in the nursing and midwifery department.

Nicola Spence will join other students to work on a voluntary project. Gary Anthony

As a result, Nicola and three other student nurses will arrive in Lusaka in March.

"It has honestly been my dream to go to Africa since I was very young, so I'm looking forward to everything about the trip and intend to take it all in," she said.

In Lusaka, the four girls will live in Wallace House - a shared house funded by one of Stirling's partner universities from the sports project.

They will visit four health centres, an orphanage and a hospice which cares for the terminally ill, many of them young people.

It is in these centres that they will be teaching the local people who use the facilities about health education - particularly sexual health, nutrition and dealing with minor ailments and injuries. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking and Nikki and her pals have to meet their financial targets.

A ceilidh is being organised in the Raigmore Recreation Hall on February 6 and a signed photo of Rangers FC players is one of many prizes in the raffle.

Any local businesses or organisations who would like to help Nicola can contact her by e-mail on nms00002@students.stir.ac.uk

d.wilson@highland-news.co.uk

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