Mercy Ships UK Onboard Magazine | Summer 2022

mercyships.org.uk | Summer 2022 | Issue 16

News and stories from the Mercy Ships community

royal

Global Mercy gets the

seal of approval

Onboard magazine Contents Welcome

Help raise vital funds this Mercy May. Page 11 HRH Princess Anne visits the Global Mercy Page 8

See the best moments from the Global Mercy Launch Page 9

Edoh was healed on the Africa Mercy 30 years ago.

Page 4

Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships is a faith-based organisation that follows the 2,000-yearold model of Jesus. Bringing hope and healing through hospital ships and in-country training has been the mission of Mercy Ships for more than 40 years. Thanks to your support, those suffering from painful and preventable diseases can find the care they desperately need.

Mercy Ships seeks to transform individuals and strengthen healthcare systems, leaving a lasting legacy in every nation we partner with.

Mercy Ships UK, The Lighthouse, 12 Meadway Court, Stevenage SG1 2EF mercyships.org.uk 01438 727800 info@mercyships.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743.

02 Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales)

Find out more about volunteering on our ships Page 10

Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

Onboard magazine Reflection

Above: The Global Mercy arriving in the Port of Rotterdam.

A year of Jubilees and Celebrations Did you know that 2022 is a special year not just for our country, but for Mercy Ships too?

In a few weeks’ time, across our country we will celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II, our beloved Queen, whose service, and dedication to our nation, is an inspiration to us all.

One of the top highlights in this Platinum Jubilee year for us was welcoming onboard the Global Mercy HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of Mercy Ships International.

The Princess Royal travelled to Rotterdam in March to thank UK and international volunteers for the vital role they play in offering free life-changing surgeries and impacting countless lives. You can find out more about her visit on page 8.

This year also marks 30 years of Mercy Ships service in Africa. This is a reason and an opportunity to celebrate caring and compassionate supporters like you who enable our volunteer crews to deliver hope and healing in some of the poorest countries in Africa.

LinkedIn /mercy-ships-uk

And over those 30 years - thanks to your generosity, that of grant making trusts, large and small businesses, churches, and community groups - we have been able to carry out more than 40 medical field missions across 14 nations in Africa. Resulting in: 05,000 people freed from pain and misery because 1 you helped to provide free life-changing surgeries 00,000 dental patients being treated thus preventing 2 future health problems hat’s more, together, we have trained 49,000 local W healthcare professionals in various African nations who continue to impact the healthcare in their nations I am so glad that you are part of our Mercy Ships family because we could not have done any of these things without you.

On behalf of all our patients and their families over the last 30 years THANK YOU for every life you have restored through your mercy and kindness.

Joanne Balaam Chief Executive Officer

mercyships.org.uk 03

Onboard magazine 30 years in Africa

Celebrating 30 years in Africa This year marks our 30th anniversary of partnership and service in Africa.

Join us on a whistle stop tour over the next few pages as we fondly remember Edoh, one of our first patients to receive a lifesaving, lifetransforming operation on the Africa Mercy back in 1990.

Then bringing us up to date with Sokhna, our very first patient on the Africa Mercy this year, then looking forward to the future, with exciting plans for the development of surgery in Africa.

It’s thanks to the generosity of caring supporters like you, grant making trusts, large and small businesses, churches, and community groups that we can share these stories.

Here’s to the next 30 years!

1990

Even after 30 years, Edoh is still being carried by your kindness and mercy By the time Edoh was nine-years-old, a massive facial tumour had displaced her left eye, distorting her cheek and mouth. She struggled to eat and breathe. The tumour was stealing the very breath of life from her.

Her mother, Afua, heard about our hospital ship arriving in Togo in 1990 and brought Edoh to the free screening. At that time the patient screening was held in a local stadium where a crowd of 6,000 people were tearing at the gate. Many of them were living lives of misery and rejection because of their abnormalities.

They wanted a chance for a free surgery, the chance for a miracle.

But amid all that suffering and desperate longing, mercy raised its head.

A little girl gasping and struggling to breathe captured the attention of the crowd. Arms of compassion - some weak and some strong - lifted Edoh above their heads and passed her to the very front of the long line.

Edoh recalls, “I remember being lifted over the heads of the crowd and being passed along to the gate. A nurse saw me and said, ‘This is the type of surgery we need to do.’”

After Edoh’s operation her family and community welcomed her home and held a big party to celebrate her healing and new lease of life.

Together we give thanks for Edoh and the hundreds of thousands of patients like her whose lives have been restored over the 30 years by your mercy and kindness.

Below: Edoh, all grown up after her surgery.

04

Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

Onboard magazine 30 years in Africa

2022

Your kindness and mercy is still repairing smiles like Sokhna’s

2022 AND BEYOND

The Africa Symposium

Celebrate with Sokhna, our first patient in Senegal this year.

Looking to the future of healthcare in Africa, the Africa Celebration will be held across May and June 2022, commemorating 30 years of Mercy Ships service and partnership with Africa. The event will be a springboard to build a foundation for safe, accessible, and affordable surgery for all in Africa.

Just a few weeks ago our volunteer doctors and nurses welcomed onboard the first patient to undergo surgical treatment on the Africa Mercy this year!

This anniversary will be an opportunity to mobilise political decision-makers as well as public, private, and community leaders to work together for the integration and scaling up of surgery in Africa.

Sokhna, a young mother underwent a maxillofacial surgery for a cleft lip.

The President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Mr Macky Sall will host three special events, as key expressions of our celebrations in Africa: n international symposium to strengthen surgical, obstetric A and anaesthesia care in Africa. This symposium will bring together nearly 200 experts from across the continent he commissioning of the Global Mercy at the Port Automne in T Dakar he Presidential Conversation – a dialogue between African T Heads of State, African Friends of Mercy Ships, Friends of Africa, as well as, international leaders on equitable access to surgical care on the continent.

She was overwhelmed with “peace and joy” at her transformation and is really looking forward to the moment her husband sees her cleft lip repaired.

All of us at Mercy Ships are so grateful for your commitment and unwavering support to our patients during the pandemic.

Below: Sokhna before and after her surgery.

This will conclude with the signing of the Dakar Declaration, committing to improving access to surgical care.

“ Through this celebration we want to make the future better than the past. We have started for the first time, to look at the domain of the surgical, obstetric, and anaesthetic care component of the healthcare sector… so based on this we are going to create a regional plan – an African continental plan – to upgrade surgical healthcare in Africa.”

Dr. Pierre M’Pele, Mercy Ships Regional Director for Africa

YOUR FU T UR E IMPAC T Join our Africa Celebration by sending a special gift today. Scan the QR code to take you straight to the donation page, or visit mercyships.org.uk/onboard

LinkedIn /mercy-ships-uk

mercyships.org.uk 05

Onboard magazine 30 years in Africa

2004

MERCY SHIPS TIMELINE

30 years in Africa

Cotonou, Benin

2003

After 30 years of service in Africa, none of us could have guessed at the impact and legacy that our collective partnership – yours and ours - has had on this beautiful continent.

Lomé, Togo

With more than 105,000 lives changed and transformed through free surgeries, 200,000 dental patients treated and over 49,000 local health professionals and community development workers trained in the nations we partner with. This has happened through your love and support and the expertise of our volunteer crew.

1990

2002 Freetown, Sierra Leone

2001 Cotonou, Benin

Lomé, Togo:

Edoh We are still inspired by Edoh’s story 30 years on. Catch up with her story on page 4 if you’ve missed it.

1991

1997

1998

1999

2000

East London, South Africa

Cotonou, Benin

Conakry, Guinea

Banjul, The Gambia

Tema, Ghana

1996

A congenital cleft lip and palate had limited Sahondra’s ability to eat, speak or even breathe normally. The cleft lip split her upper lip up to her nose, attracting awkward glances from strangers. At 30-years of age, Sahondra had no hope that she could ever live a normal life.

1992

But when the Anastasis visited Madagascar, Sahondra, received two free surgeries that repaired her palate and pharynx. Her asthma disappeared, and for the first time ever Sahondra was able to eat normally.

Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire

Sahondra 1993

1994

1995

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Dakar, Senegal

Tema, Ghana

06

Toamasina, Madagascar:

18 years later the Africa Mercy arrived in Madagascar and Sahondra underwent a second set of free surgeries on her palate to offer her the best chance at speaking perfectly. She was also able to receive speech therapy to help her pronounce words clearly for the first time in her life!

‘Mercy Ships has really changed my life,’ declared Sahondra as she prepared to disembark the Africa Mercy for the last time. ‘My health, my mind are all changed. I have a new hope and a better life!’

Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

Onboard magazine 30 years in Africa

2005

2006

Monrovia, Liberia:

Hawa was just 6 years old when a tumour began to

Tema, Ghana

grow in her mouth. A year later, Hawa’s mouth was completely filled by the tumour. Meagre meals fed through a straw were the only thing that kept her alive.

Her disfigurement led villagers to believe she was cursed. Local doctors examined the tumour and told her parents there was no hope. Hawa and her family were threatened and cast out from the village.

But then, Hawa’s father heard about the arrival of the Anastasis and in a final effort to save his little girl, Hassan made the gruelling two-day journey to the hospital ship with Hawa. Mercy Ships doctors immediately operated to remove the tumour.

20072008 Monrovia, Liberia

Hawa ( left) a t school

2009

On board the Anastasis, this precious child and her family finally found the hope and healing they deserved.

Cotonou, Benin

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

Conakry, Guinea

Lomé, Togo

Freetown, Sierra Leone

Durban, South Africa

Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo: 14-year-olds Dreige and Eddy met for the first time at the Mercy Ships screening for cataract patients.

They had both suffered a lifetime of blindness. But after a short procedure each boy had his sight restored. The moment the bandages were removed, the two boys saw the world around them for the first time!

A few weeks later, sitting under the shade of a tree they talked about the birds in the sky and all the other things they could now see. Then they grabbed a ball and began to play. Soon, children from the neighbourhood joined in and a full-scale match ensued.

y Dreige and Edd

2016

2017

2018

2019

2022

Toamasina, Madagascar

Cotonou, Benin

Douala, Cameroon

Conakry, Guinea

Dakar, Senegal

Dakar, Senegal

DID YOU K NOW ?

2015

Mercy Ships has directly served in 14 African nations

Three ships have served in Africa – the Anastasis, Good Samaritan and the Africa Mercy

There have been 42 field services in Africa

This is a simplified timeline, as in many cases more than one country would be visited in a year.

LinkedIn /mercy-ships-uk

mercyships.org.uk 07

Onboard magazine Global Mercy launch

A ROYAL VISIT

HRH The Princess Royal visits the Global Mercy in Rotterdam

Mercy Ships International Patron, HRH The Princess Royal travelled to Rotterdam to thank UK and international volunteers for their vital role in Mercy Ships work, as they prepare to serve on the brand new, purpose-built hospital ship, the Global Mercy.

cy Ships fo with Mer oag. ils a plaque HRH unve and Ann Gl ns he ep St

under Do

n

The Princess Royal became Patron of Mercy Ships International in 2021 and this event was her first engagement in this new role. Her Royal Highness has a long history supporting the charity. She previously visited the Africa Mercy in Sierra Leone in 2011. “ It’s an honour to be Patron of Mercy Ships International and part of the celebrations for the very first, purpose-built, teaching hospital ship in Mercy Ships’ fleet and family. A mixture of volunteers bring brilliant surgery, knowledge and medical skills, from countries all over the world – but everybody who comes here has a skill and is happy to serve in whatever capacity will help the whole. The success Mercy Ships has had training doctors, dentists, and medics to carry out the work in the future in their own countries – that is a real legacy.”

Images: HRH The Princess Royal meets volunteers on board the Global Mercy in Rotterdam.

08

Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

Onboard magazine Global Mercy launch

ROTTERDAM

Best moments from the launch of the Global Mercy

r crew of voluntee an audience rformance celli wowed pe a Bo th ea wi dr An or ters Ships supp rcy. and Mercy e Global Me onboard th

HR H Q u een Mat hilde of the crew Belgium and tou came on r the new board to loved to ship. have vo meet lunteered HRH said she w ould hav when sh e e was yo unger.

Global Mercy: HOSPITAL AREA: 2

7,000 m

PATIENT CAPACITY:

199

6 operating theatres 90 self-care beds 7 ICU / isolation beds 102 acute beds

CREW CAPACITY:

641

255 medical crew 66 technical / maritime 320 non-tech, non-med and family

Lifelong Mercy Ships supporter 87-year-old Teuna Damming visits the Global Mercy. Her greatest wish was to admire the new ship up close. She said, “I wish that Mercy Ships may prosper, that the important work in Africa will be blessed.”

visitors on who took eer guides urs. nt to lu e vo nc r rie e of ou pital Expe Annica, on Mercy Hos the Global

TOUR THE SHIP Take a virtual tour of the world’s largest purpose built hospital ship from the comfort of your own home.

Scan the QR code to get started.

LinkedIn /mercy-ships-uk

A deleg ation from presente the Sen d with a egalese miniatu governm re of the ent is

by Mercy Global M Ships fo ercy, look under D ed on on Step hens.

UK Mercy Ships volunteer nurse, Martha Henderson, stands in the new radiology room onboard the Global Mercy.

mercyships.org.uk 09

Onboard magazine Volunteer with Mercy Ships

INTERVIEW

What does it take to volunteer with Mercy Ships?

Interview with Ropa Rusere We recently caught up with Ropa Rusere the Senior Volunteer Recruitment Manager for Mercy Ships. Ropa works to ensure that our hospital ships have all the volunteers they need to run safely and effectively.

Onboard: Why is now a great time to volunteer onboard our hospital ships?

Ropa: As the world slowed down over the last couple of years, a lot of people have re-evaluated what life and work means to them. For some, there is a strong desire to do something that both enriches them and impacts the world beyond theirs. Volunteering with Mercy Ships is the opportunity to do both!

Onboard: What does the recruitment process entail?

Ropa: The first step is to choose what role you would like to do - with over 200 different roles available, there really is something for everyone. Then once you have completed the online application, our team will review this, and let you know the outcome.

Onboard: How many volunteers are there onboard the ships?

Ropa: In total we need over 1,000 volunteers on both ships at any one time! About 400 for the Africa Mercy and 640 for the Global Mercy.

Onboard: How long can I serve for?

Ropa: This depends on the role you’re applying for.

Some positions ask for a two-week commitment, while other roles need someone who can commit for a year.

We specify the minimum commitment for each role on opportunities.mercyships.org

10

“ with over 200 different roles available, there really is something for everyone.”

Onboard: What sorts of roles are available?

Ropa: We need three broad groups of people to run our hospital ships, these include, but are not limited to: edical team - surgeons, adult and children’s nurses, M GPs, biomedical technicians, dentists, radiographers eneral team – IT technicians, HR, teachers, and G hospitality echnical & Maritime team - carpenters, plumbers, T deck and engineering officers Onboard: Can I choose which ship I’d like to serve on?

Ropa: Yes, when you apply you can let us know which ship you’d like to serve on. We will always do our best to match your request, but this will depend on when a vacancy for your role becomes available on your preferred ship.

Onboard: What parts of the world do Mercy Ships volunteers come from?

Ropa: Our volunteers come from over 60 different nations of the world. And we’re super proud of the strong tradition of volunteers that come from the British Isles. In addition the work is supported by about 200 local day crew from our host nations.

Onboard: And finally, what would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Ropa: I would say - go for it! The very first step is to enquire. Visit mercyships.org.uk/setsail and complete the form. Then we can discuss potential dates with you.

FIND OUT MORE To find out more about volunteering on our hospital ships and explore the roles that are available, scan the QR code or visit opportunities.mercyships.org

Follow us on social media /mercyshipsuk

Onboard magazine Community News

Let’s put the ‘fun’ back into fundraising this Mercy May! Looking for a great way to fundraise for Mercy Ships this month? Welcome to Mercy May! This is your way to help Mercy Ships provide free surgical and medical care to those who need it the most.

Partnership with Premier Christian Radio We’ve very pleased to announce that Premier Christian Radio and Mercy Ships have come together in a Charity of the Year partnership.

We’ll be working with Premier across radio, podcasts, magazines, social media and in-person conferences.

Like you, Premier shares the belief that everyone deserves access to medical treatment, particularly at a time when 9 out of 10 people living in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t have access to safe surgery.

Premier’s national and international reach will help to resource the life-saving work of Mercy Ships with giving, prayer, and by highlighting our inspiring volunteer crew.

Tune into Premier Christian Radio on premierchristianradio.com to find out more.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukraine We are heartbroken by the devastation to the nation and the displacement of the people of Ukraine due to the recent invasion.

We pray for a rapid end to the war and for peace and healing for those affected, on both sides of the conflict.

LinkedIn /mercy-ships-uk

Did you know that 9 out of 10 people living in sub-Saharan Africa don’t have access to safe, affordable and timely surgery? That’s why your fundraising is so vital. Your support will help to save and transform lives.

And we’ve got everything you need to get your fundraising efforts off the ground including a great resource pack with everything you need such as posters, invitations, money box, sponsorship forms, bunting and a whole lot more.

Your fundraising can take any tried and tested form, such as cake sales, poetry readings, fun runs, jumble and vintage sales, garden parties and cream teas… the list is endless…

YOUR FR E E PACK

To find out more about Mercy May and order your free fundraising pack, simply scan the QR code, or email info@mercyships.org, or call 01438 727800.

mercyships.org.uk 11

Are you ready to set sail with Mercy Ships?

If you would like to donate some of your time, skills, and experience – and get to share the joy of children, young people and adults receiving free surgery – we can really use your help.

Onboard our medical ships, the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy we have over 200 roles that need all kinds of skills. So, if you are a teacher or technician, a plumber or a paediatrician, an electrician, or an engineer we would love to hear from you.

Interested? Scan the QR code or visit mercyships.org.uk/setsail to discover more

Registered Charity No: 1053055. Registered Charity in Scotland No. SC039743. Company No: 3147724 (England and Wales)