A Bingley woman uncovered the true meaning of charity when she spent a week working with orphaned victims of HIV and Aids in Thailand.

Debbie Willis, 44, has just returned from the eye-opening trip to northern Thailand, where she helped to redevelop Sarnelli House orphanage.

Before flying out, the head chef at Cottingley Hall Nursing Home raised £1,000 for the orphanage, which houses 126 children and is funded entirely by charity.

She said it was a humbling experience: "Being chosen to go to Thailand was really something I wasn't expecting. I felt so privileged and excited that I had been given such a fantastic opportunity, as it was something I had always wanted to do since I was a youngster.

"I knew it was going to be such a life-changing experience, and I was so looking forward to meeting the children and seeing their smiling faces.

"The whole experience has changed my outlook on life. Seeing the children who are always so smiley and caring yet are in the circumstances that they are in is truly remarkable. It really puts everything into perspective.

"It broke my heart saying goodbye to the children, and I am definitely looking to visit Sarnelli House again so that I can help contribute some more. The faces of the children are certainly something to go back for.

"It was such an amazing and humbling experience and the memories of the trip will stay with me for a very long time.

"We totally redecorated the outside of the orphanage and helped put in some new playground furniture, amongst many other things. I am so pleased that the children are now in a safe place, being looked after by some wonderful people at Sarnelli House; it really is a remarkable place and I have been privileged to see it."

Father Mike Shea, who runs Sarnelli House, said: "The improvement that BUPA's volunteers are making to the lives of children at the orphanage is invaluable. The vital work they are undertaking, along with the money raised through their fundraising efforts, is really making a difference and it's great to meet them all."

Joanne Keane, of trip organisers BUPA, added: "This initiative brings together 60 employees from across the globe, which means at least £60,000 will go towards improving the lives of AIDS orphans and children affected by the disease. Our long-term aim is to develop a sustainable relationship between Sarnelli House and our BUPA Thailand business."