A HUGE Sir Terry Pratchett and Discworld fan quit her job and travelled more than 10,000 to pay tribute to the author who saved her life.

Shannan Rodda travelled all the way from Melbourne, Australia for the opening of the exclusive exhibition, Terry Pratchett: HisWorld, at Salisbury Museum on Saturday, September 16.

"I'm a huge fan of Terry Pratchett and his Discworld series," said the 30-year-old.

"When I heard of the exhibition the thought of being able to attend was a bit of a pipe dream. I wanted to come but didn't think it was possible.

"Curiosity took hold and I started to investigate flights and accommodation and decided it was possible. It was going to take quite a bit of saving but I was going to do this."

"A few people have referred to my trip as a pilgrimage and they'd be correct. It was heartbreaking when Terry passed away in 2015 and visiting the exhibition and being there on the opening day was a way I could pay my respects to the author who saved my life."

Shannan, who worked primarily in accounts, says she had requested four weeks leave from work to come over to the UK but was only able to get two. 

She said: "After careful consideration two weeks just wasn't enough time to come all this way and see all that the UK had to offer. So I decided to move on, go on this once in a lifetime trip and figure out my employment options when I got home. I see this trip as an adventure and a new chapter in my life and I'm excited to see what this next chapter holds."

Shannan, who has suffered with depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), says the Discworld series helped her through "dark times" in her life.

"An event five years ago triggered a relapse and I fell in to a deep depression; I couldn't see a tomorrow. I had already read the series a couple of times but chose to read through it again. I could escape to the Discworld and make it through another day," she said.

"I even have my favourite characters tattooed on my arm as a tribute to the series and a reminder of all the wonder, magic and joy that Terry created."

During her visit to Salisbury Museum, Shannan was able to meet Paul Kidby and show him her tattoos inspired by his Discworld illustrations.

"It was fantastic meeting Paul," said Shannan. "Seeing some of Terry's personal items and learning their history was fascinating and a bit overwhelming."

The exhibition runs until January 13, 2018. Running alongside the exhibition is Paul Kidby: The Charmed Realm exhibition which runs until January 6.