A MOTHER of two grown-up children has swapped the normality of south Buckinghamshire to treat Aids patients in the deep jungle of Thailand.

Dedicated Sue Tobin from High Wycombe left for South East Asia last September after assuring her apprehensive offspring that all would be well.

And six months on the 52-year-old is well settled, working alone in the jungle hospice and despite impoverished conditions and backward facilities has urged others to follow in her footsteps.

She said: "Working alone in the jungle can have its difficulties with typhoons, scorpions, mosquitoes and little water.

"Working with Aids patients who are without pain-relief medicines can, at times, be traumatic. But it's a privilege to work with people who have taught me acceptance and the value of every moment of life."

Divorce paved the way for Mrs Tobin's year abroad, but it took seven years of scrimping and saving before she could quit her two jobs as a support worker and auxiliary nurse.

She said: "Getting divorced was a very traumatic time, but it can open doors for you and is a great learning process.

"It's a privilege to do this. One year of my life to support people in need is only a short time."

The amazing turnaround came after a three-month voluntary placement in southern India. Mrs Tobin was determined to see more of the world, but as a worker.

Daughter Abi Tobin, 23, of Highwood Avenue, added: "We're all really proud. What she's doing is great. She's basically put her life on hold to try and improve the lives of others. That's very honourable."

David Long, director of TPA in Bangkok, said: "It's most striking that everyone has a task and does the very best they can.

Contact Mrs Tobin at sukie@sukiesue.freeserve.co.uk