Angela Wheatley, 36, will be taking part in life changing work in Madagascar for the charity Operation Smile which travels all over the world to repair children's cleft lips and cleft palates.

Angela, who works in the accident and emergency unit, said: "Last week I was told that Sky TV's Baby Channel wanted to get involved with the trip and film me for a documentary. They will be filming me at work at the hospital in Haywards Heath and then they will follow me out to Madagascar.

"I am quite nervous about being on camera but really glad it is raising awareness for the charity as the operations change people's lives."

Operation Smile was founded by Dr William P. Magee, a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen. In 1982, the Magees travelled to the Philippines to repair children's cleft lips and cleft palates. They discovered hundreds of children ravaged by deformities, and although they helped many children, the volunteers were forced to turn away the majority of those who sought help. The Magees saw the need and Operation Smile was born.

This is Angela's second mission with the charity after volunteering in Jordan two years ago.

She said: "The locals know for approximately a year in advance that we are coming out there and word gets around. There are hundreds and hundreds of people that turn up. The whole family will often come.

"A lot of these people live in shame and some families often believe they are cursed. Children won't talk to the other children. It can change their lives and it is very emotional handing them back to their parents as they are so happy. You are often in tears on the last few days."

The operations can take only 40 minutes and the team strives to see as many patients as possible. Ones that haven't been able to be treated on the first mission will be given a promise that they will be first in line the next time they are there.

For information about the charity visit operationsmile.org or if you would like to donate money towards Angela's trip email her at:
akwayt@hotmail.com