Nick Sillitoe (District 1240 Governor 2017-18) had the opportunity to visit the Africa Mercy while the ship was in dry dock, and he was so inspired by the work of Mercy Ships that he sought the help of the District, to support a programme of Club Foot correction. The total raised by the district was £8,560, including a cheque of £1,000 from our club. Christine Brown from Mercy Ships visited our club to accept the cheque and deliver a presentation about the work of Mercy Ships.

Two-thirds of the world’s population cannot get access to safe surgery when they need it. As a result, 17 million people die every year from conditions requiring surgery. This is higher than the number who die from TB, malaria and HIV/Aids combined. Mercy Ships is working to tackle this crisis. They operate the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world, delivering free, safe medical care to some of the world’s least-developed countries. This “floating hospital” is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, who give their expertise for free to help treat dental and eye problems, cleft lips and palates, tumours, club feet, childbirth injuries, burns and various other conditions.

Since 1978, Mercy Ships has visited 55 countries, providing services worth more than £1 billion that have directly helped more than 2.7 million people. They have also trained 42,000 local professionals in their areas of expertise to leave a legacy that lasts. Mercy Ships is committed to a cost-effective, high impact model to deliver their services. Visit www.mercyships.org.uk for more information.

To book a talk with Mercy Ships, or to make a donation contact Christine Brown on 01438 727800 or email getinvolved@mercyships.org.uk