New Head of Fundraising

Mercy Ships UK has appointed a new Head of Fundraising as part of its commitment to developing the international charity throughout the UK.

Sarah Balser, who has more than 20 years experience in the fundraising sector, joined Mercy Ships this month and will oversee a team that raises funds for the world’s largest charity hospital ship – the Africa Mercy. The ship, crewed by more than 400 volunteers, provides free medical and humanitarian aid to the world’s poorest people.

Following an 18 year career with the NSPCC, Sarah joins Mercy Ships from Chickenshed, where she was Director of Fundraising for the last two years.

Speaking about her appointment with Mercy Ships, Sarah said: “Joining Mercy Ships is a dream come true. Having been raised in Nigeria on the west coast of Africa, I truly understand what an amazing difference Mercy Ships can make to the people of this region who have very little access to health care.

I am inspired by Mercy Ships and I am honoured to be able to play an active part in its pioneering work.  Its message and act of bringing hope and healing to the world’s poorest people was too compelling for me to ignore. Not only do the volunteers provide physical healing but the patients also receive optimism, compassion, respect and a chance of a better future, which is priceless.” 

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Mercy Ships UK team and her fundraising experience will be invaluable to us.  She has embraced our ambitions to grow Mercy Ships in the UK and is committed to helping us achieve our goals. Her personal knowledge of growing up in West Africa is unique in our team and I am sure it will be a huge benefit to us all.”