A WORCESTER nurse has travelled to Mongolia for the experience of a lifetime.

Jane Haffner, a sister in the A&E department at Ronkswood Hospital, has joined international youth development charity Raleigh International to work as a volunteer medic.

As part of the two-month expedition, Ms Haffner will be working with several of the charity's environmental, community and adventure projects as well as taking care of staff at field base.

She will also take on a mammoth three-week trek across the Gobi Desert.

The 44-year-old is one of 34 volunteer staff members, who have joined 94 young people from the UK, Ireland, Argentina, Denmark, Malaysia and Mongolia to take part in the expedition.

Ms Haffner, who has taken unpaid leave from her job, wanted to combine her interests in travel and care with her enthusiasm for young people.

"I firmly believe in the ethos of Raleigh International and, because I don't have any kids of my own, this expedition gives me greater insight into the lives of young people," she said.

"The most exciting part for me will be spending time as a medic on a three week trek through the desert.

"Trekking across the Gobi will be an incredible adventure and being in such a remote area, it will be great to be able to offer my skills when needed.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience, regardless of age, and I know I will get the most out of it," said Ms Haffner.

Raleigh International has run five expeditions to Mongolia since 1999, and as the largest international youth organisation in Mongolia, it is sponsored by the UNDP, the Kadoori Foundation, the Soros Foundation and MIAT airlines.