NEW BOARD MEMBER

Ann Gloag, co-founder of the Stagecoach transport company, has joined the board of Mercy Ships UK, after supporting the charity for almost 10 years.

Already an international board member for Mercy Ships, Ann has joined the UK board following the successful launch of its biggest-ever ship last year.

The Africa Mercy, formerly a rail ferry, was purchased for the charity by Ann Gloag in 1999 for over £4million and is now the world’s largest charity hospital ship.

Ann Gloag was heavily involved in the day-to-day conversion of the Africa Mercy in Newcastle and since 1999 has donated at least another £5million to the ship and some of the charity’s other projects.

Lord McColl, Chairman of Mercy Ships UK and Vice-Chairman of Mercy Ships International, said: “We are delighted that Ann is now a full board member of Mercy Ships UK. Her drive and enthusiasm during the conversion of the Africa Mercy was an inspiration to us all and this new commitment to Mercy Ships UK is fantastic news for the future of the charity.”

Ann Gloag said: “I am delighted to join the UK board of Mercy Ships as it is a charity very close to my heart. As a businesswoman I want to know how efficiently charities spend their money and I am really impressed by the management of Mercy Ships UK. It is a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation that never stops focusing on helping the people of Africa and I am delighted to be working with the Mercy Ships team in the UK.”