**Stoke-on-Trent Family Set to Volunteer on Medical Ship in Ghana**
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A family from Stoke-on-Trent is embarking on an extraordinary journey to volunteer with Mercy Ships, an international charity that provides free healthcare to communities in need. Amelia and Richard Bilson, along with their three children aged 5, 12, and 13, will dedicate 11 months of their lives aboard the medical ship, Global Mercy, stationed off the coast of Ghana. This marks the charity’s return to the country for the first time in 19 years.
The Bilson family has always had a strong commitment to helping others, and the decision to work with Mercy Ships reflects their longstanding passion for community service. The charity operates by offering specialised surgeries and critical medical assistance to populations that often lack essential healthcare resources.
Amelia’s interest in Mercy Ships was piqued after she learned about a family that had volunteered in Sierra Leone while she was working as a radio producer. Speaking on BBC Radio Stoke, she expressed that the story opened her eyes to the possibilities for families like hers to contribute to such missions. “I never thought it was possible that someone like us could support that ministry,” she shared.
Leaving her role as the founder of a community trust named Middleport Matters, Amelia will be trading her day-to-day routine for life at sea. Richard, her husband, echoed their excitement, stating that their new adventure feels like a true calling both personally and professionally. He described Mercy Ships as “floating hospitals” that provide critical surgical services to nations with greatly limited access to medical care.
Arriving in Ghana, Global Mercy will focus on a variety of surgical procedures, including tumour removals, cleft lip and palate repairs, paediatric orthopaedic surgeries, and treatments for cataracts, among others. Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, Director for Technical Coordination at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, commented on the ship’s importance, noting that it will complement the government’s efforts to provide healthcare. “The aim is to provide free, safe surgical care to the Ghanaian people,” he remarked.
Life aboard the ship will be a unique experience for the Bilson children, who are looking forward to the ship’s amenities, which include a swimming pool and a trampoline, as well as an opportunity to engage with children from diverse backgrounds. Richard acknowledged that the living conditions can be challenging, stating, “It can be a highly pressured environment.” He elaborated on the complexities of living with a multitude of different cultures within a confined space, emphasising the emotional dynamics involved in such an intense setting.
While the challenges of life on a medical vessel are substantial—particularly given the sometimes traumatic situations that arise—Richard views the experience as a valuable partnership with the local communities. He noted that there is always excitement when Mercy Ships arrive in countries where they can make a significant impact.
The Bilson family’s decision to devote nearly a year to volunteering with Mercy Ships exemplifies their commitment to service and reflects broader trends of families participating in humanitarian work overseas. Their journey highlights the vital need for medical assistance in parts of the world where healthcare is scarce, and it serves as an inspiration for others considering similar paths.
As they prepare for their departure in August, Amelia and Richard remain focused on the significant difference they hope to make in the lives of those they will serve. Their story serves as a reminder of the profound effects that compassionate action can have in addressing global healthcare disparities.