Since January 2001 when May started helping GTS she has been plagued with chronic and intermittent pains in her right side.

Both the MRC (Medical Research Centre) and Victoria Hospital in Banjul have treated her and performed numerous tests.

During my visit in April things came to a head and a total failure of May's right kidney was diagnosed and may was given a very strong recommendation to return to the UK to get this treated.

Typically, May's concern was what would happen to Gambians with the same problem - the answer was not what May wanted to hear - without the equipment to treat such a complaint they would die.

This is undoubtedly the case in most 3rd World countries, all require resources, but it could be that education is an even higher priority for the majority rather than expensive treatment for just a few. Priorities poise life and death dilemmas in countries like Gambia.

May returned late on Friday 27th April and was admitted at once to The Royal Free Hospital for tests.

Mays right kidney had not been working because a stone was stuck in one of her tubes. Passing a kidney stone is very painful and this had been the cause of all the pain for the last few months.

May will be treated today and hopes to be back to her project next week.

UPDATE - May's birthday 5th May
May came out of hospital on Thursday and although she has been told to take it easy for a few days, she is hoping to get back to The Gambia, Red and her project as soon as she can get a flight.