Mercy Ships a global charity has operated a growing fleet of hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the example of Jesus, Mercyships bring hope and healing to the poor, mobilising people and resources worldwide.

These floating hospital ships sail to third world countries to provide free medical treatment and help to make people self sufficient through training and provision of reources. The work is provided by self funded volunteers - medical staff - surgeons, doctors, nurses. Admin staff, caterers and crew - usually for a period of 3 months at a time.

At this moment in time they have " Anastasis " which travels around the African and Mediterranean area, The ' Caribbean Mercy" which travels around the Islands and of course the ex Train ferry fromDenmark presently moored in the River Tyne while being converted into the "Africa Mercy" . This was bought at a cost of £4.000,000 and donated by Ann Cloag of the Stagecoach Bus Company. Another £15,000,000 is needed to complete the conversion.

Some time ago Hazel Wilson from the Methodist Church ( a fund raiser for Mercy Ships ) took several parishioners to visit the "Africa Mercy" to see the work being done to convert the train ferry into a modern floating hospital - a truly mammoth task! We were shown around by two of the volunteers from Africa. We felt truly humbled at the commitment shown by everyone connected to this wonderful project.

Over the past years the ships have performed 8,000 operations onboard, treated 2,000 in the local village clinics, performed 100,000 dental treatments, trained local health care workers who have in turn trained others in turn trained others in primary health care, provided tens of millions of pounds of medical equopment, hospital supplies and medicines and completed more than 350 construction and agricultural projects.

No members of the organization are paid any wages - help is always needed. More information is available to anyone who could volunteer their services in any capacity. If you would like to visit the ship , contact the parish office who will arrange a visit. Why not read the leaflet on the noticeboard at the back of church, or visit thier website at :

Mercy Ships