A FORMER Romsey woman is heading to Uganda to work with children and women who have been traumatised by violence.

Dr Ellen Watkins is flying out to Africa next spring to work with the charity Hope of Children Victims of Violence.

Her role will be a clinical psychologist and she will be working in the community near Entebbe.

Ellen is planning to take part in next month’s Walk the Test Way to raise cash for the charity and help fund her trip.

She is also holding a quiz night and raffle at Romsey’s Star Inn on October 23.

“I’m hoping to raise over £1,000 for my trip to Uganda to cover all my costs so that I can work for the charity for free,” said Ellen.

“I’ve already raised over £370 with the help of my friends and family at a fundraising pub quiz in London.”

Ellen was born and grew up in Romsey but is now based in Hackney. However, she said she is hoping to move back to Hampshire at some stage.

The 28-year-old who will be in Uganda for two months said: “There is a huge need for clinical psychologists, especially given how many people there have experienced displacement and trauma. As a woman I realise that I’m privileged to have been born in the UK. Many of the women that Hope of Children and Women Victims will have experienced gender-based crime and discrimination.”

Ellen is currently training for the Walk the Test Way fundraiser and will be tackling the “marathon” 25.5 mile distance course from St Mary Bourne to Romsey.

She’s been walking five miles per day to get in shape for the event on october 12.

“I’ve been fitting it in with my work schedule by walking to and from work and home visits in the day. I’m trying to do a longer walk at weekends. I’ve never done a marathon before so it’s all a new experience,” said Ellen.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Ellen should log on to her Just Giving page at justgiving.com/ellen-watkins2.

For more information about Walk the Test Way which is organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test visit walkthetest way.org.uk.