All cisterns go: How plumbers are as much in demand as doctors

When plumber Chris Milward volunteered onboard the Africa Mercy he called himself a ‘brain surgeon’ –and it’s nearer to the truth than you might think.

Chris from Loughborough said: “Inside all the toilets, like in an aeroplane, there’s a vacuum flush and people call it a ‘brain’. I often say: ‘I’m a brain surgeon’ because I spent so much time fixing these ‘brains.’ When they look at my [maintenance] clothes they realise I am joking!

“There are 192 toilets and over 200 showers onboard with these ‘brains’ and when any of them breaks I strip them down and use them to keep all the toilets and showers working on the ship.”

The fact is Chris’ ‘surgery’ is every bit as vital as the surgeons onboard as they could not operate without plumbers like him. Just as our hospital ships can’t function without cooks, cleaners, electricians, teachers, finance staff, receptionists, and a host of other roles.

Learn what it’s like to volunteer onboard one of our ships mercyships.org.uk/volunteer or scan the QR code

YouTuber Emma Cruises has raised more than £9,400 for Mercy Ships

Emma Le Teace from Sussex has promoted a very special replica of her friendly cat, Captain Hudson, to her international audience on Youtube. So far, more than 1,300 Captain Hudson toys have been ordered and Emma has given all the proceeds to Mercy Ships to transform lives. Now, she is planning on doing it again with another replica of Captain Hudson! Thank you so much Emma and all her followers. Your kindness and generosity will help people get the life-changing surgery they need.

How you can continue to play a vital role with Mercy Ships

The work of Mercy Ships is only made possible by the generosity of supporters and volunteers like you and of churches and community groups like yours. Here are different ways you can help provide life-changing surgeries and change the face of healthcare in the nations we serve:

Donate

Make a regular monthly donation to Mercy Ships.

Visit www.mercyships.org.uk/donate

Nominate us

Nominate Mercy Ships as Charity of the Year partner in your workplace, school, church, or organisation.

Come along

Attend or hold your own event or form a fundraising group in your local community, church, club, or workplace.

Email events@mercyships.org.uk

Remember us

Remember Mercy Ships in your will. Visit mercyships.org.uk/legacy

Get involved

Run, jog, walk, cycle, or swim for Mercy Ships by taking part in one of our challenge events.

Email getinvolved@mercyships.org.uk

Volunteer

Volunteer abroad or in the UK .

Contact us at volunteering@mercyships.org.uk

Come and meet

us!

Heading to a festival this summer? We’re going to many events up and down the country over the next few months, including The Big Church Festival, New Wine, and so much more!

We hope to see you there...

you