Globally, there are five billion people who have no access to safe, affordable surgery when they need it. Mercy Ships is working hard to plug this gap. Since 1978, Mercy Ships has visited more than 70 countries, providing services worth more than £1 billion that have directly helped more than 2.5 million people. Mercy Ships has also trained more than 38,000 local health professionals in order to leave a legacy that lasts.

As many of you know I retired from the NHS a few years ago,. I was then fortunate to be able to train with a private company to work in Ophthalmic surgery. As a result, I have gained skills which added to my public health nursing experience have enabled me to volunteer with this organisation.

I will be travelling to Sierra Leone in March 2025 to work on the Global Mercy for seven weeks. I will be the Ophthalmic day surgery nurse.

The video below gives more information about how this work makes a difference;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQ0CH_W3ms

Volunteers normally pay their own way, as Mercy ships use all funds raised to support the costs of the ship, operating theatres, equipment etc.

However, this time I have not had to pay for my own flight so all medical and vaccination costs have been met by me and the travel costs by Mercy ships, all funds raised will therefore go directly to Mercy ships to support their ongoing work in Sierra Leone and Madagascar.

If you are able to donate , you will have the opportunity to use gift aid i(f you are a taxpayer) to increase the amount received.

Any support offered will be gratefully received!

https://www.mercyships.org.uk