Mercy Ships brings free, life-changing surgeries to women, men and children across sub-Saharan Africa.
We train healthcare professionals and build stronger medical services for everyone, creating change for decades to come.
Our hospital ships are fuelled by your love and support.
Hope. Healing. Transforming lives.
mercyships.org.uk 01438 727800
info@mercyships.org.uk
When a large tumour grew on Marie Elisa’s face, her husband Claude was worried. “All I could do was pray,” he said.
But Mercy Ships was able to give Marie Elisa the surgery she desperately needed, so she could eat and breathe freely again. Now, the devoted couple work side-by-side to farm the fields. “My message to other couples: love one another,” says Claude.
It’s my pleasure to write to you as Chair of Trustees for Mercy Ships UK.
We’ve seen many changes over the past year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve doubled our reach and impact.
For the first time in decades, Mercy Ships now has two hospital ships in service – the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone and the Africa Mercy in Madagascar. Thanks to you, we can now bring double the hope and healing to people facing unjust poverty.
We have also bid a fond farewell to Joanne Balaam, our Chief Executive Officer, who is thriving in her new role within the wider Mercy Ships family. I pass on my deepest thanks to Clive Mitchell who is taking the lead in the interim while we search for a permanent director.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
We are truly grateful for your support. Your love is as steady as an anchor in changing tides. Thanks to you, we can continue to be there for the people who need help most.
Many of our patients like Yusif (pages 4-5) and Fudia (page 8) have been through things no one should ever have to endure. But thanks to you, our ships are a sanctuary where people can recover and find hope.
On page 9, you can read about the incredible love and kindness of our volunteers who keep our hospital ships running, day after day.
Thanks to you, and our caring crew of volunteers, we can continue to bring safe surgical care to people most in need.
Thank you for journeying with us.
With gratitude,
Dr Michael Spence Chair of Mercy Ships UK
Image: Fudia enjoys recovery time after her surgery.
Life beyond the bite
Yusif was only five years old when he was bitten by a snake. See how your gift brings healing.
One day after school, Yusif sat down to rest. He watched his friends play football on the field in the sunshine.
Ouch! Yusif felt a stabbing pain on his hand. Quick as a flash, he saw a snake slither down a hole in the ground. He saw red marks where the fangs had pierced his skin.
The pain was instant. In seconds, the pain grew more intense, spreading from his hand up to his elbow. Soon, his whole arm was bruised and blistered.
His mum, Mariama, was called straight away. She ran to the field, and saw her son had fainted.
As soon as she could, Mariama brought him to a traditional healer in their village.
Yusif was given some crushed herbs to swallow. His mum prayed it would make his body fight the venom – but nothing helped.
Image: Yusif plays Jenga with the nurses, as he regains use of his arm after surgery.
This was an emergency – Yusif needed to be rushed to hospital. But for this little boy in a remote village in Sierra Leone, there was no ambulance. He suffered without medical care. Yusif’s arm began to toughen and peel. The venom was killing his skin.
Eventually, Mariama saved enough money to take Yusif to hospital. The doctors looked at his arm, so bent and blistered, and said they must amputate. Mariama refused to accept this would be her son’s fate. She hoped and prayed there would be another answer.
Six years later, 11-year-old Yusif still suffered from the bite every day. Without medical treatment, his wounds had fused his arm and hand tightly together, making them useless. And the dying skin on his arm left a bad odour.
“Yusif felt ashamed and became very shy,” Mariama told us. “He would hide his arm inside his shirt all the time, so it started to bend that way.” With all of her strength, Mariama hoped that her son would find healing.
“We call this a disease of poverty. Because it is poverty that causes people not to have access to the surgery they need”
Dr Tertius Venter, Mercy Ships surgeon
Safe at last
After years of searching, his family heard the good news that Mercy Ships had come to Sierra Leone. Yusif could receive expert care – for free.
Dr Tertius Venter, one of our volunteer surgeons, operated on Yusif on board the Global Mercy. As he cared for Yusif’s wounds, the surgeon could see how deeply he was scarred.
Dr Venter explained: “With early treatment, the dead tissue can be removed, then antibiotics can treat infection and save the limb. But because Yusif didn’t have access to proper treatment, his whole arm became severely deformed.”
“We always call these severe contractures a disease of poverty. Because it is poverty that causes people to not have access to the timely, effective surgery that they need.”
This is why your support matters so much.
Thanks to gifts like yours, Yusif received expert surgery on our floating hospital. He could at last let go of all that hurt and pain.
“I feel good now,” says Yusif. “I was not able to do anything before with my hand, but now I can do everything. I can help my mum, I can play football, and I can go to school without feeling ashamed.”
Without you, Yusif may never have had the surgery he so desperately needed. Every bandage, every dressing, every medicine he was given on our hospital ship was funded by caring friends like you.
Will you help a child recover from the scariest moment of their life?
Every year, 580,000 people suffer from snake bites in sub-Saharan Africa.
There are many more brave children like Yusif who need your help.
● Your £20 can buy sterile bandages to help a patient heal.
● Your gift of £40 can help provide surgery that will change a child’s life forever.
● A generous gift of £90 can help fund surgery and physical therapy, so a child like Yusif can reach their full potential.
Show mercy. Save lives.
Give now by filling in the form at the back of this magazine. Or send your gift faster at mercyships.org.uk/hope
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
3 4 5
LENT STARTS TODAY! Marie Elisa from Madagascar has unwavering faith. Read her story: mercyships.org.uk/lent 6
Could you book a speaker to come to your church this Lent? Go to mercyships.org.uk/speakers
10 11
Why not take up a new challenge this Lent? Go to mercyships.org.uk/fundraising for ideas.
17
#DIDYOUKNOW
Mercy Ships is sometimes called ‘The Love Boat’, because so many people have found true love on board!
“Being an answer to prayer is incredible,” says Rachel Greenland, volunteer nurse.
Your kindness is an incredible gift. Today, give thanks to God for his love and mercy. 12 13 18 19 20
“There is nothing more precious than love” says Claude (Marie Elisa’s husband).
Could you share your skills and transform lives? Go to opportunities.mercyships.org
“A new command I give you: Love one another.”
(John 13:34)
How can you show love for one another this week? 24 25 26 27 31
Take a moment to refocus. How can you show love and kindness this week?
#DIDYOUKNOW
It’s Waffle Tuesday on the Africa Mercy!
Help a child like Yusif heal from surgery. Give £20 to buy sterile bandages.
Eat a simple meal today and donate the money you save.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS
Make someone smile today.
Take time to think about people who are struggling without healthcare.
The name of our first Mercy Ship, the Anastasis, means Resurrection.
“We feel that we are just a drop in the ocean. But I think the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Saint Mother Teresa
Can you send a gift of love to help a child like Yusif have free surgery? mercyships.org.uk/hope
2
Share Yusif’s video with your friends on social media: mercyships.org.uk/hope
After cataract surgery, Mamadou needed special glasses to protect his sight. A gift of £10 could buy a pair of UV glasses.
“My daughter had to stop school because I couldn’t pay her fees.”
Marie Elisa
“Love is the main basis of our treatment here.” Dr Tertius Venter, Mercy Ships Volunteer Surgeon
10
How can you show someone that they’re loved today?
“Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly.”
(Micah 6:8)
17
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Our volunteers show the love of Jesus on our hospital ships. Pray for them today.
Your gift of £15 could provide a hygiene care pack for a patient like Yusif.
Thank God for showing mercy to patients like Yusif.
“I’m praying to Jesus to be healthy,” said Maria Elisa. What do you pray for today?
Write down three things you’re grateful for today.
Time for some spring cleaning! Can you donate any spare change you find at home to Mercy Ships?
“God, have mercy on me.”
Luke (18:9-14)
“Consider the kindness of God.”
(Romans 11:13-24)
Send a card to, or write a letter in memory of, your mum or another woman who’s dear to you. 23
“O God, your love is better than life.”
(Psalm 63:1-9)
28
Pray for mums around the world.
Go for a spring walk. Ask God to open your heart to love and mercy.
The Global Mercy can turn seawater into drinking water!
Can you give up your phone today? Take time to go for a walk, say a prayer, or do something you enjoy.
Chat to us about how you can help support Mercy Ships. Call our friendly team on 01438 727800.
“At first everyone was appalled – he didn’t even look human.”
(Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12)
Could you give a talk about Mercy Ships in your community? Go to mercyships.org.uk/speakers to find out more.
30 MOTHER’S DAY
“He was filled with compassion.”
(Luke 15:11-32)
“Mary anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair.”
(John 12:1-8)
Are you brave enough to dress head to toe in green today? Let people know you’re dressing up for Mercy Ships, so they can sponsor you. 6
THANK YOU so much if you’ve fundraised to help our patients find hope and healing.
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
(Luke 19:28-40)
“I have seen the Lord!”
(John 20:1-18) kindness calendar 2025
From of pain to giggles of joy
Thank you for your generous support this winter. You helped provide life-changing surgery to children like Fudia.
Before we met Fudia, 10, she’d spent her whole life in pain. She was born in Sierra Leone with a disease that made her legs bend outwards.
Thanks to kind gifts like yours, Fudia received the surgery she had always hoped for. As she took her first steps on straight legs, she giggled with joy.
Now at home, Fudia stands 14cm taller, and she walks proudly to school. Her eyes shine with hope.
And it’s all because of you.
Thank you for your gifts and prayers for our Winter Appeal. Your incredible kindness helped raise more than £400,000. This will be matched funded to £800,000, thanks to some very generous corporate partners.
Your gifts can provide expert surgery and physical therapy for hundreds of children like Fudia. Thank you so much.
We are truly grateful for every gift.
Fudia now has reason to smile, because of kind people like you. See how the love she found on our hospital ship has changed her life forever.
Watch her beautiful film: mercyships.org.uk/fudia
Image: Fudia laughs as she takes her first steps after surgery on the Global Mercy.
Fuelled by kindness
Volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do.
Mercy Ships couldn’t exist without volunteers. Our crew generously give up a salary, to bring our patients expert care – free of charge.
Last year, we launched our Volunteer Fund. This has empowered many volunteers like Divine Acha, who couldn’t otherwise afford to go.
“Together we can make a difference”
Your support empowers caring volunteers like Divine Acha to share their talents on board our hospital ships.
Divine will always remember the “care and love given” to his brother by Mercy Ships volunteers when he received free surgery in Cameroon.
Ever since, he has felt “called to be a part of putting smiles on the faces of the underprivileged”.
Thanks to donations like yours last year, Divine was given the chance to volunteer as a nurse.
Divine loves playing games and reading stories to our patients as they wait for their surgeries.
Help support our crew
With two ships now serving in Sierra Leone and Madagascar, we need more volunteers than ever.
There are many more people like Divine Acha out there who’d love to serve. But money is too often the barrier.
Can you help? Your gift could help empower someone to bring hope and healing.
Donate today by filling in the form at the end of the magazine, scan the QR code or give online at mercyships.org.uk/volunteer-fund
“It’s mind-blowing!”
Emma, 30, from Brighton, loves cruise ships. Now, she’s set sail on her most exciting adventure yet – to the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone.
“It’s mind-blowing – this is the coolest ship I’ve ever been on,” Emma said while on board in December.
Emma, who has raised more than £100,000 from the sales of her Captain Hudson toys, came to see how her incredible fundraising has helped pay for life-saving surgeries.
She shared on Instagram: “We got to spend time playing games with the patients after their surgeries. I’ll never forget a game of Jenga I played with a little boy. He’s the happiest kid and I’m so grateful Mercy Ships was able to change his life.
Double the hope, double the healing
Just days before this magazine was posted through your door, the Africa Mercy arrived back in Madagascar. After a short time to recharge in South Africa, we’re delighted to continue bringing free, safe surgeries to people from across the island nation.
“I’ve had patients hold onto my hands to thank me for what Mercy Ships has done. And I want to pass on that thanks to you! You made this happen!”
Help transform more lives today. Give at mercyships.org.uk/hope or return the form to us now. Thank you.
Meanwhile, the Global Mercy continues to make an incredible impact in Sierra Leone. Lifesaving surgeries and training for healthcare professionals will continue on board in 2025.
The arrival of our ships is truly a sign of hope for families who have no other way to get hospital care. Thanks to your love and support, we can continue to reach people in urgent need.
Image: (Left) Crowds cheer as the Africa Mercy arrives back in Madagascar. (Right) Students take an exam in nurse anaethesia in Sierra Leone.
Image: Emma Cruises with a Captain Hudson toy on the Global Mercy.
Big Church Festival is back!
22nd-24th August, West Sussex
This year, Mercy Ships will be at the heart of the Tea Garden Stage. In this magical area, festival-goers can enjoy breathtaking music, cream teas and lush surroundings. Want to join us? See how you can get involved at mercyships.org.uk/festival
Dates for your diary…
14th February: St Valentine’s Day Share Marie Elisa’s and Claude’s true love story at mercyships.org.uk/valentines
5th March: Lent begins Can you set yourself a challenge this Lent and help fund life-saving surgeries? Pull out the Lent Kindness Calendar (turn to pages 6-7) and stick it on your fridge to inspire you every day.
We hope you enjoy reading Onboard magazine.
Your feedback really matters to us, and we’d love to know what you thought of this issue.
Your feedback will help us inspire more people to transform lives.
Let us know by taking our survey at mercyships.org.uk/survey
How you can help
You can make an impact in so many ways…
Give
Help transform lives every month with a regular gift. Go to mercyships.org.uk/donate
Follow us
Join our community of Mercy Shippers on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn: @mercyshipsuk
Fundraise
Run, walk, or swim and raise vital funds for Mercy Ships. Find out more at mercyships.org.uk/fundraise
Leave a legacy
Leave a gift of love in your Will. mercyships.org.uk/legacy to find out more.
Volunteer
Share your talents on our hospital ships. Find your place on board: opportunities.mercyships.org
Pray
Pray for the patients who come to our hospital ships. Find out how your church can support Mercy Ships at mercyships.org.uk/church
Thank you for making hope and healing possible.
Choose kindness, change lives
For nine-year-old Annica, our hospital ship feels like a safe place, full of love and kindness.
That’s because volunteers like Orianna are there by her side, every step of the way. Seeing her smile every morning is like a ray of sunshine.
It takes thousands of volunteers like Orianna to keep our hospital ships running. With healing hands and humble hearts, our volunteers change lives.
We need people from all walks of life – from nurses to teachers, cleaners to chefs, shopkeepers to surgeons.
If you’ve always wanted to make a meaningful difference, we’ve got a place on board for you.
