Student Returns from War-Torn Liberia
A student from Aberdeen has just returned from war-torn Liberia after five months volunteering on board the world’s largest charity hospital ship.
Peter Fullerton (25), a graduate in engineering from Aberdeen University, volunteered as a deck hand on board the Africa Mercy and is highlighting the work of the charity as part of International Youth Day.
International Youth Day encourages young people to engage in issues around the world and Peter’s work on the Africa Mercy gave him a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Liberia.
Mercy Ships provides free medical care and humanitarian aid to thousands of the world’s poorest people and Peter was one of 450 volunteers on the Africa Mercy who range from medical staff to deck hands and engineers who keep the ship functioning.
Speaking about his time on the Africa Mercy, Peter said: “Mercy Ships is a truly inspiring organisation that provides people with hope when they thought there was none. I saw first hand the difference Mercy Ships can make to people’s lives.
“Whilst I wasn’t a frontline medical volunteer, I befriended Joseph, a 19-year-old boy with a cleft clip, through the ship’s ‘adopt-a-patient’ scheme. Joseph was outcast from his community for being different. He was shy and barely spoke and he wouldn’t even smile.
“After his operation and speech therapy, Joseph’s life changed. He became talkative and couldn’t help smiling. It was an amazing transformation and I will never forget it.
“My time on board the ship has made me realise how lucky I am. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions and I feel honoured that I have been able to be a part of the amazing work that Mercy Ships does.
“I did have another unusual memorable experience - teaching the crew Ceilidh dancing! It was very amusing.”
Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK, said: “Peter worked amongst surgeons, nurses, cooks and engineers - all of whom are volunteers that give up their lives to help others. The charity depends entirely on volunteers to continue its work, literally saving thousands of lives.
“Hearing Peter’s story is wonderful and I am thrilled that he gained so much from it. Volunteers at Mercy Ships change the lives of so many people but they don’t realise that it also changes theirs.
“To be a volunteer you have to be courageous, committed and passionate. These are qualities that are so deeply admired in our volunteers and ones that Peter clearly has in buckets.”
For those interested in volunteering, please click here or contact 01438 727800.