Can you help a trainee doctor from Harborough as she prepares to help others in Panama?

Tilly Boa, 23, aims to do crucial voluntary work with the Floating Doctors charity on remote islands off Panama this summer.

The former Robert Smyth Academy student has raised a hefty £3,000 to help fund her medical mission to Central America.

Tilly, of Little Bowden, is now battling to rake in the final £500 to book her seat on the aircraft flying her over 5,000 miles to Panama on April 19.

She had managed to tot up £120 of that amount up to Tuesday February 11, leaving just £380 to get her over the line.

“Floating Doctors is a charity and survives through volunteers who pay for the privilege.

''I’ve managed to save most of the money I need by working for Harborough-based Joules Clothing at their summer shows right across the country,'' said Tilly, who’s also carried out voluntary work in South Africa.

“I’m delighted to have collected £3000.

“Now I just have to bring in the final £500 or so to cover the charity’s costs for the volunteer period.

“So I’d be thrilled and very thankful to anyone out there who can help me make my dream come true.”

She said she’s now in her final year at London’s world-famous St Bartholomew’s Hospital, commonly known as Barts.

Tilly’s working flat out to prepare for her critical final exams before jetting out on her incredible Panama mission.

“Students are encouraged to volunteer overseas.

“We can draw upon the skills we’ve learned in medical school and get the opportunity to explore medicine in an entirely new environment,” said Tilly.

“Floating Doctors is based in Bocas del Toro, a rural archipelago off the east coast of Panama.

“The charity provides much-needed healthcare and health promotion to remote communities.

“These people would otherwise have no access to medical treatment.

“They run regular health clinics, support a local government nursing home and visit remote villages for up to a week at a time.

“Floating Doctors also runs health education programmes about hand washing, dental hygiene, disease prevention and contraception as well as providing emergency medical care and extraction to mainland hospitals if required.”

Tilly said she hopes to go out to do her bit for six weeks after her finals exams.

“I’ll be fully immersed in the programme.

“My role will be very hands on - varying from basic health checks, taking medical histories and running health education sessions.

“I’d really appreciate any donations to help me reach my target – and you’ll be getting behind a great cause.

“I am funding my own travel, insurance and vaccinations with the support of my wonderful family back home in Harborough.

“So any money that I raise will go straight to Floating Doctors.”

If you would like to support Harborough girl Tilly then please visit her JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tilly-floating-doctors?utm_term=7vpEjPWKrTo find out more about Floating Doctors lick here: https://floatingdoctors.com/