A KENDAL College graduate is set to fly out to Bosnia to support people affected by war.

Complementary therapist Rebecca Jones hopes to use her skills to help people with conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I will be working with people who have been shattered by war and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot about life. I think the experience will help me grow as a person and a therapist,” said the 29-year-old.

Ms Jones said she became interested in therapy after caring for her mother, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

“I’ve always been a caring person and my foundation degree allowed me to learn skills like reiki, massage and reflex-ology to help people with stress,” she said.

Ms Jones recently started her own business called Lotus Holistics and works for the charity South Lakeland Carers.

The two-week Bosnia project aims to provide continuing relief to people in Sarajevo in the aftermath of the 1995 conflict. The mother-of-two will help people with a wide range of problems, from amputees to those affected by rape.

“This is a great way to give some of my learning back to the global community,” said Ms Jones.

She is taking part in a sponsored swim with a team of colleagues and friends at Lakes Leisure, Kendal, to raise the £800 needed for the trip and will also hold a charity evening at the Warehouse Café in the town’s Brewery Arts Centre.

To find out more about the event, being organised by the British charity Healing Hands Network, or to sponsor Ms Jones visit www.healinghandsnetwork.org.uk or call 07538-253-456.