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Last year, the Africa Mercy Appeal was launched to raise funds to pay for the refit of the ship. Chairman of the Appeal's committee is Ann Gloag, co-founder of Stagecoach Holdings, which is the parent company of South West Trains. Ann was first approached by Mercy Ships a few years ago, following work she was doing with other charities in Africa. So impressed was she by the highly skilled people involved that she did not hesitate to offer her help.
'Not only do the volunteer staff give their time on board the ships, but also their expertise and enthusiasm to ensure Mercy Ships continues to perform its wonderful work around the world.' says Anne, a former nurse.
Beginning with the magnificent gift of £4m to purchase the Africa Mercy, Ann has continued to provide support for the ship's refit by leading the drive to raise some of the millions required to complete the job.
'It is my burning ambition to see the Africa Mercy in operation. The needs of the African people are enormous and there is so much work to be done. In the UK, we need to raise £8m to complete the refit. But once she begins her work, this ship will help change the lives of millions of sick and needy people.'
Anne has every faith that her ambition will be achieved and the volunteers will continue to make a huge contribution to the lives of those with whom they come into contact.
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