A homeopath and reiki teacher in Edington is planning a fundraising swim with friends, to raise funds for a volunteer project in Botswana which she will join next month.

Anne Tottingham, a practicing homeopath for 16 years, will be working with AIDS sufferers in Botswana, through the Maun Homeopathy Project, for seven weeks.

She and six friends will be doing a sponsored swim at Westbury Swimming Pool on Sunday, to raise money for the project, which started in 2002.

“They have done a lot of good work out there, so, when the offer to join them came into my inbox, I decided to go for it,” she said.

“They need funds for on-going costs, to pay for the clinic and support the homeopaths out there, although I am paying for my own travel.

“Homeopathy gets a bad press in this country, but it is popular elsewhere.

“We examine people’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing and devise a remedy to help them heal.

“I have expertise to offer to help people, but also a lot to learn.

“This is the first time I have done something like this and I am looking forward to it.”

Homeopaths use dilutions of substances in water as remedies for various symptoms of illness and discomfort.

To donate to the project, visit its website or sponsor Mrs Tottingham at www.justgiving.com/Anne -Tottingham.