Acupuncturist Gisela Norman is preparing to spend two weeks in the war stricken Gaza Strip to care for injured citizens and refugees.

Ms Norman, 52, who works from the Park Lane practice in Chippenham, has experienced first hand the effect acupuncture can have on those suffering from post traumatic stress following a visit in October.

On that occasion hundreds queued up to seek treatment and Ms Norman, who has a teenage son, is now looking forward to a second trip this October as a medical volunteer.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to going out there again.

“There is always the concern about whether we will get in or not, but all being well we will.

“We saw hundreds of people the last time I was there, and we will hopefully be extending the project this time.”

While in Gaza last October Ms Norman taught several local doctors how to perform acupuncture, and knows that she faces another fortnight of hard, but rewarding work.

“I can list numerous lovely stories about the pain relief we brought to people,” she said.

“I had people telling me they felt 15 years younger and more relaxed – it just makes them feel so much better and stronger.

“We were shown around a hospital that was crumbling down, but was still fully functioning. It is a humbling experience and an honour to be able to take part in.”

Ms Norman is now raising funds to support the trip, which includes paying for flights, transport and translators while in Gaza, and is appealing for donations.

She hopes the project, organised by World Medicine, will become a continuous source of help for locals.

“Another group went out in March,” said Ms Norman. “We are hoping to get good solid funding to make this a continuous thing.”

To sponsor Ms Norman visit the website www.justgiving.com/Gisela-Norman