THE sudden and unexpected death of a friend has inspired an Ulverston woman to make a life-long wish a reality. 

Hetti Sansom, 25, was shocked when her friend Jamie Watson, 29, died last summer. 

In memory of him she has decided to embark on a 10-week project in Malawi, Africa, with charitable organisation, Progressio. 

While there she will be living with a host family and working with local people and volunteers to contribute towards awareness of HIV and Aids. 

Miss Sansom explained that supporting people in Africa has been at the top of her 'bucket list' for many years. 

She said: "I just never thought I would be able to do it because of the expense but then I found Progressio and because it's a government funded programme all I have to do is raise £800. 

"I knew this would be something Jamie would be interested in and something he would definitely support – that's why I decided to do in memory of him." 

Miss Sansom hadn't known Mr Watson long before he died but she said that they just "clicked as friends instantly".

She said: "We got on really well and I was so shocked when he died. 

"His death inspired me to do something like this. It put everything into perspective for me. 

"Life can end so quickly so you need to do the things you want while you still can." 

Miss Sansom isn't a stranger to these types of projects having previously volunteered in Romania, Bulgaria and Iceland. 

She said: "It makes such a big difference to the people you are helping but also to you as a volunteer. 

"I am a great believer in that one of the best ways to help yourself is to help other people. 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am determined to use to the best of my ability to make positive changes." 

To secure her placement on the project Miss Sansom has to raise £400 by February 18 and another £400 by March 18. 

Malawi's HIV prevalence is one of the highest in the world. 

An estimated one million Malawians were living with HIV in 2013 and 48,000 Malawians died from HIV-related illnesses in the same year. 

To help Miss Sansom raise the money she has set up a justgiving page and has a collection jar in The Piel Castle Inn, Market Street, Ulverston. 

She will also be holding fundraising events and the first will be held at The Kings Head in Queen Street, Ulverston, on Friday February 12 at 8pm. 

Visit www.justgiving.com/hettimalawi/ if you would like to donate to Miss Sansom's cause.