Volunteer Trip To Poland Hospital!

Hello there, fellow campaigners! I'm Jordyn Cowell, a 17-year-old prospective medical student from the North West of England and intending to attend university in two years. As some of you may know, the medical profession is a extremely difficult and challenging field to get into as well as being a very competitive course at most, if not all, higher education establishments. So in order to set my personal statement/application form apart from the other candidates, I'm planning a residential trip to Poland for 2 weeks in order to volunteer and shadow professionals at a Warsaw hospital in 2016.

I'm already an Information and Service Volunteer with Macmillan at Burnley General Hospital, but I'm desperate to experience and explore medical services outside of the UK in order to educate myself and others on the healthcare opportunities available to differing countries in Europe.

Often a person's socio-economic status, race, sexuality, gender, career and age can affect their access to the proper healthcare they deserve- something I wish for others to understand and appreciate, especially considering the free NHS services we have access to.

I've also volunteered in a homeless shelter with recovering drug/alcohol addicts, as well as those whose careers have most unfortunately caused their difficulty in residency. I've also helped out in a centre that houses domestically abused women and children in the Islamic community- something that has shaped me into the empathetic, non-judgemental and approachable person I am today. These particular opportunities aided me in setting my career choice in stone, as helping those more vulnerable and unfortunate than myself, opened my eyes to the world that we live in.

The trip I'll be attending is hosted by Gap Medics (http://www.gapmedics.co.uk/) a specialist company dedicated to providing year-round hospital work experience for medicine, midwifery, nursing and dentistry abroad to students 16 years and over.

Despite this amazing opportunity that Gap Medics provides me, the funding is unfortunately not available for myself. As well as being a full-time student who studies A-Levels, I also volunteer and hold a part time job of 10 hours in hopes of getting my funds up for this wonderful trip.

For two weeks of accommodation, meals and security at the house in which we stay, will cost me £1500. The flights (Manchester to Warsaw) and back are £200, excluding baggage and insurance.

Now I completely understand that me asking for close to £2000 is something of feat and something that I would not ask for, because in today's economy and times, not all are lucky enough to have enough to spare- because at the end of the day, every pound I receive is honestly appreciated so much.

So, in all, my desired (although, very high!) donation target is £500. Any money I receive will go towards paying for the majority of the £1500 fee for accommodation and meals during my stay- as well as the little additions such as scrubs, insurance and any vaccinations I need.

If you're still reading, I want to genuinely thank you for your time and patience in reading this somewhat essay! Honestly, every pound counts and in hope of not sounding like Asda, every penny does too! Even if you decide not to donate, I'm glad you're reading these campaigns and wanting to support causes for people like me- I wish you the best and thank you so much for your time!

To those who donate, you'll never fully understand the gratitude and thanks I'll give to you for helping me achieve such an opportunity- you're all so wonderful, generous and the kind of people that gives me faith in humanity!

I'll keep you all updated with future photos, videos, targets and what I've achieved- please check back in!

Many Thanks and Best Wishes

Miss Jordyn Cowell