Last month, the team at Tankers International participated in a 15 km London Maritime Walk from the IMO to the Cutty Sark in support of our incredible charity partner, Mercy Ships. Together, we set out not just to raise awareness, but also to generate vital funds for a charity that delivers life-saving medical care and training to some of the most vulnerable communities globally. Through donations made both online and offline plus gift aid, we have raised a £10,000!
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that travel to regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, providing essential medical services to those who need it most. This charity and its cause hold a special place in our hearts, with our CEO, Charlie Grey, leading the Mercy Ships London committee, working to highlight the work of the charity within the capital’s wider shipping community. Earlier this year, Charlie and other committee members travelled to Sierra Leone, to witness first-hand the transformative impact of Mercy Ships’ work, a trip that was disrupted by an alleged coup attempt, but also gave the team great insight into the immense impact of Mercy Ships from life-saving surgeries to medical training for local healthcare workers. However, it also underlined the critical need for continued and generous support. Thankfully, our walk wasn’t disrupted by a coup attempt, although we had our own set of challenges to deal with on the day!
On 26th of September, we swapped our office attire for walking gear and, joined by representatives of Mercy Ships UK, we set off bright and early with our colourful Mercy Ship t-shirts and sunny sky outside the IMO HQ. Spirits were high, and our route took us past some of London’s most iconic maritime landmarks along the river Thames.
As we passed Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks Marina, the weather took a dramatic turn, and torrential rain descended upon us, forcing us to seek cover under doorways as makeshift shelters. Sadly, even with our well-equipped raincoats, gear and warnings to be prepared for wet weather, we were all absolutely soaked through! Despite the sudden downpour, we pushed on, determined to complete the walk for such an important cause.
At one point, the rain was so heavy that we took shelter in a local community centre in Deptford, where the members of the centre greeted us and welcomed us in. They recognised the Mercy Ships logo on our t-shirts and shared their own admiration for and personal stories of the charity’s work. This simple act of kindness was a reminder of how widely Mercy Ships’ mission is respected, and how many people are inspired by the incredible work it does.
One of the most heart-warming aspects of the walk was the support we received from the general public. As we made our way through the city, people noticed our Mercy Ships t-shirts and stopped to offer words of encouragement. Some even asked how they could contribute to the cause.
Our route took us past some of London’s most iconic maritime landmarks:
- Tattershall Castle – Once a ferry on the River Humber, now a floating pub on the Thames.
- HQS Wellington – A WWII Royal Navy ship, now home to the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.
- The Golden Hinde – A replica of the ship Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world.
- HMS Belfast – A WWII Royal Navy cruiser turned floating museum.
- The Mayflower Pub – A historical pub marking the departure of the Pilgrims to America.
- Pageant Stairs Obelisk – A riverside landmark near Canary Wharf.
- Greenland Dock – A former Arctic whalers’ base, rich in maritime history.
- Cutty Sark – A 19th-century tea clipper now preserved in Greenwich.
Participating in this walk was more than just a physical challenge, it was a chance to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. As our walk took us past St Thomas’ hospital, it was a stark reminder that the illnesses that bring many of the patients to Mercy Ships for treatment are avoidable in the West and how the work of the charity is essential, offering urgent medical care but also local training to the community, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to provide these treatments locally once the hospital ship sets sail for its next destination.
If you feel inspired by the work of Mercy Ships and want to join us in making a difference, please consider donating via our fundraising page. Running one of its two hospital ships takes nearly $100m a year and your contribution, no matter the size, will help provide critical medical care to those who desperately need it.
This experience was truly unforgettable, bringing together the team, our shared maritime heritage, and our commitment to supporting a wonderful cause.
Together, we can make an impact. Thank you for your support!
Make your donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/TILondonMaritimeWalk
