AFRICA MERCY is the world's biggest non-goverment hospital ship

Hospital Ship Charity Celebrates 30 Years of Saving Lives
Mercy Ships, the international charity that provides free medical and humanitarian services in the poorest countries of the world, is holding a celebratory ball marking the end of its 30th anniversary year....

On the 31st January at the Landmark Hotel in London, people will come together to give their support and congratulate the thousands of volunteers who have helped realise Mercy Ships mission over the last 30 years - to give people the chance for a better life.

Mercy Ships has been providing life saving surgeries to thousands of people since 1978, alleviating their suffering from painful deformities, injuries and tumours. The surgeries have not only saved lives but they have saved thousands of people from being outcast by their communities.

Professor Lord McColl of Dulwich CBE and Board of Trustees of Mercy Ships UK said:

“I have been involved with Mercy Ships for many years and have been privileged during that time to be a part of this inspiring organisation. I know first hand what profoundly important work the charity does.

“The celebration in January is very important to the charity as it is such a significant point in the organisation’s history. The Ball allows us to honour a wide range of people - from the volunteers, who give up their lives to help those in need; to the fundraisers who work hard to get the word out about Mercy Ships; to our sponsors and those that donate big and small. Without all these people, Mercy Ships would cease to exist.

“Most of all, however, this celebration enables us to honour the hundreds of thousands of patients who have put their trust in us to give them their lives back. It is these people that deserve applause – they inspire us every day.”

Over the last 30 years, Mercy Ships has worked in over 70 countries providing services valued at more than £350million.

The charity has treated more than 230,000 people in village medical clinics, performed more than 35,000 surgeries, 190,000 dental treatments and completed over 950 construction and agricultural projects, including schools, clinics, orphanages and water wells.

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK said:

“This really will be an evening to remember, there will be a fabulous three course dinner, an auction with some fabulous prizes, as well as live music.

“Mercy Ships is an organisation that changes the lives of so many, that gives those suffering a second chance. An evening to celebrate this and the work over 30 years is a truly momentous occasion.”

If you are interested in attending the event, becoming a sponsor or would like to make a donation, please visit www.mercyships.org.uk or call Ellen Armstrong on 01438 727800.