Our speaker Ruth Walne played a short video that showed the range of medical procedures that they do and the effect this has on the patients and their families. Mercy Ships have been in operation for 40+ years offering free, life-changing surgeries to people in some of the poorest countries in the world. Most of Ruth’s work as a Plaster Technician, has been in West Africa. The ship arrives in country for about 9-10 months at a time. The types of surgery range from correcting bow-legs and knocked knees due to Ricketts [diet and possibly regionally related] to burns and tumour removal. On the Ruth’s Mercy Ship there were 5 operating theatres and 82 ward beds, where care givers sleep under the bed. There is a CT scanner, X-ray, a fully operational hospital Laboratory and Pharmacy. The ship is crewed by volunteers from over 40

The Ladies from Thames Valley wish all our friends a Peaceful Christmas and New Year  

  RAVIOLI?   No!   It’s bunting and was part of SI Thames Valley’s efforts to ORANGE Bourne End Market.   We were taking part in the United Nations’ Campaign to raise awareness and oppose Gender Based Violence which ran from November 24-December 10 2022 worldwide.   Stall holders willingly wore Orange ribbons too.   Contributions were also raised by the Trefoil Guild of Bourne End and stall holders of St. Paul’s church for the local Wycombe Women’s Aid which works constantly to combat Gender Based Violence and is regularly supported by SI Thames Valley