A ROSSENDALE mum today told how she became trapped in the middle of a riot in Uganda while on a mercy mission to help Aids victims.

Betsy Keating, of Waterfoot, a reflexologist who was in the African country to pass on her skills to 70 people, was trapped in the capital, Kampala, for two days after rioting erupted following the jailing of opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

She was surrounded by rioters, flaming cars and gunshots as the city was brought to a standstill.

Despite the troubles, Betsy declared the trip a success.

She led a team of four therapists from Reflexology Outreach International, a charity that Betsy helped set up.

They taught reflexology to help carers and medical personnel in HIV/Aids clinics as traditional medicine is often too costly in Uganda.

Betsy, who works as a complementary therapist at Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, said: "It was really hard the first week and quite frightening because of political turmoil but it settled down and people were really enthusiastic to get the treatment.

"The effects of HIV are devastating. All the young people are struggling. There is a lot of sadness as a lot of people have died or are ill.

"But what is really uplifting is if they have the illness and then look after other people, it helps them.

"These are people who were completely broken by having the diagnosis but are now uplifted as they are part of the team and feel very valued.

"They find doing the reflexology makes them feel good and positive about themselves and is helping progress in tackling the disease.

"They look delighted that they have these skills to help others. It really does make a difference."

Reflexology is said to be good for the immune system and able to ease the symptoms of disease and help people relax.

Betsy has visited the country several times to pass on her skills. The group has now trained more than 700 people with 28 now able to teach.