Pharmacist turned volunteer teacher credits Cambodia with changing her life for the better

First published 3 hours ago in News Read original article and see the pictures here. 

A KNUTSFORD pharmacist who gave up a successful but stressful career to volunteer on the other side of the world has described 2014 as ‘life-changing’.

Sue Addison, who worked as a pharmacist for almost 30 years, quit her job at Mannings Chemist, on Princess Street, last Christmas due to stress.

The 55-year-old took a leap of faith and decided to pursue an alternative career path. She fell in love with Cambodia during a two week holiday in early 2014 and, after finding she couldn’t settle back in Knutsford, returned to the South East Asian country to work as a volunteer English teacher.

Sue, from Higher Downs, has divided her time between Cambodia and England over the past year and is preparing for to fly back to the poverty-stricken country in the coming weeks.

The mum-of-four said: “The two weeks in Cambodia completely changed my life. It’s hard to believe how much life can change in that time; it’s been the most amazing year of my life.

“It’s brought me peace within myself; to realise that you don’t need to stress. I’ve realised life is about accepting what you have got. You can manage on a lot less and Cambodia showed me what’s important in life.”

Sue works in Treak Community Centre, 4km from Siem Reap, where she helps teach English to school children. Education in Cambodia is not easily accessible – the village does not have a primary school and many are too poor to complete their studies.

“Education, they say it is free, but it not affordable,” said Sue. “Children have to buy their own uniforms and often have to bring in money for the teachers, who get paid very little.”

Treak Community Centre, which relies entirely on donations, is fundraising to build a new school in the village.

Sue is dedicated to the effort and is asking anyone who can assist – whether it be donating board games, such as Scrabble, or volunteering – to get in touch.

“If you have a chance to take some time off and care to make a change, think about volunteering abroad – Cambodia needs help,” she said. “I am happy to talk to anyone thinking about volunteering either as an individual or a group or anyone who would like to make a donation to tell them more about life in Cambodia and how they can help.”

If you would like to help, get in touch with Sue by emailing her at sueaddison5@msn.com.