VIOLENT sandstorms, 50 degrees heat, and possible mortar attacks are just some of the challenges facing a nurse who is setting off for a four-month tour of duty to the hazardous Helmand Province, in Afghanistan.

Territorial Army Major Lynn Siddle is normally to be found carrying out her role of nursing ward manager of Ward 6, at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital, where she cares for surgical patients, and manages the ward.

However, in her TA role, Major Siddle, 34, who lives in the Penrith area, is leaving shortly with the Lancaster-based C Squadron to help run the 208 Field Hospital in desert conditions.

Her husband, TA Lt Col Ron Siddle, 46, who is a psychologist working with the Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust, will be on the same tour and will run the field mental health team.

For full story see the June 22 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.