A MEDICAL student from Stevenston is fundraising in a bid to go on a "once in a lifetime placement" to South Africa.

Former Auchenharvie Academy pupil Paige Simson is currently in her fourth year studying at the University of Glasgow.

As part of her studies this year she is required to complete an elective placement during the summer.

And Paige is hoping she will be able to support some of those most in need after being accepted to attend the Chris Hani Baragwanath Trauma Unit in Johannesburg.

This hospital is the third largest in the world and the largest in Africa, with 70 per cent of all patients being victims of trauma.

The unit treats around 3,000 trauma victims every month and is often running over capacity.

The hospital also serves an extremely deprived community and Paige is hoping that during her one-month placement in South Africa she can offer as much help as possible to the doctors working there.

However, despite being accepted to attend the hospital, Paige still needs to ensure she can get there first.

That is why the Stevenston woman has set up a fundraiser, in the hope that the community can get behind her mission to help others and further her career.

She commented: "After being accepted for a once in a lifetime placement - I would appreciate any donations to help me get to South Africa to further my studies and interest in trauma surgery."

For those wishing to make a donation, Paige's fundraising page is available at gofundme.com/f/9msb5-south-africa-elective.