A FAMILY are helping those in need by volunteering on the world’s largest hospital ship. 

Stuart, 61, and Lynne Little, 56, and their son Matthew, 19, from Neston, near Corsham, are working onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charity-run hospital ship, which provides healthcare and training to developing countries.

They have travelled to the West African nation of Senegal where they are currently docked and volunteering as a carpenter, ward administrator and deckhand

Mr Little said: “There is a big need for people to serve and we were able to do it and leave our home. 

“Our children are grown up so we could take something on and make a difference.” 
Mrs Little said: “We’re living in a community which can be challenging at times. We’re living and socialising with people on the ship but some people are only here for a few weeks so that can be hard you need the stamina to keep going. We’re living with less but the hospital is amazing. 

“It’s such a privilege as the ship offers hope and healing. It gives children a future. 

“Everyone isn’t totally cured but the love and care shown by the crew and you can look people in the eyes and they know you are taking care of them. All of these things together make it a very special place.”

Matthew said: “In 2014 I was still in school and I watched a documentary series on CBBC called My Life. There was a British family on the ship where it covered a patient. My Dad came home from work and I told him about it, so it went from there really.” 

“I didn’t really express much interest to go to University yet so my parents invited me along.” 

Mercy Ships are staffed by volunteers from over 40 different nations. 

They work in a variety of roles to help change the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.

Hannah Mulvihill, crew support co-ordinator said: “We are so grateful for the volunteers who travel to the Africa Mercy to volunteer their time and skills. 

“Only 50 per cent of the roles on the ship are medical and every role is filled by a volunteer. From the cleaners to the nurses, the receptionists to the electricians, we couldn’t offer this vital service without them.” 

In sub-Saharan Africa, 93 per cent of the population do not have access to safe and affordable surgery when they need it. This results in over 18 million people dying each year from treatable conditions. 

“That’s more than die from TB, malaria and HIV combined.”

Mercy Ships addresses the global surgery crisis within Africa by sending hospital ships staffed by volunteers to the places where surgeons are needed most. 

Surgeons also train local medical professionals who will stay in their home countries, effecting change long after the ship departs. Mercy Ships has touched more than 2.7 million lives since 1978.

The Africa Mercy will stay in Dakar, the port capital of Senegal, until July 2020, by which time it will have carried out 1,700 surgical procedures and trained1,400 healthcare professionals.