Becky Chaplin’s Journey from Rescue to Rescuer on Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy
Found abandoned as a newborn in Kenya and adopted by a British family, 31-year-old occupational therapist Becky Chaplin has come full circle, now leading the rehabilitation team on board the Global Mercy™, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship operated by international charity Mercy Ships.
Becky’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and service. Discovered still attached to her umbilical cord by a passing veterinarian, she was adopted at seven weeks old by a British missionary couple. Raised between Kenya and the UK, she draws on her dual heritage to connect with patients and colleagues across cultures.
“Living in Kenya, I saw both sides,” Becky said. “I was exposed to extreme poverty and the opportunities you can have with education. I was fortunate to be adopted into a family that gave me that opportunity.”
After working in UK hospitals specialising in burn and hand therapy, Becky felt called to volunteer her skills abroad. In 2023, she joined Mercy Ships for a three-month sabbatical in Senegal.
“I absolutely loved it. I loved being back in an African country with people that look like me,” she said.
Now as Rehabilitation Team Leader aboard the Global Mercy, Becky is part of a multinational volunteer crew providing free surgeries and medical training to strengthen local healthcare systems. She leads post-operative rehabilitation for patients recovering from life-changing procedures, including children with severe burns or congenital conditions.
Many patients have left a lasting impression on her. She recalls a 10-year-old girl from Senegal with a contracture: “She made me work hard to disguise all the exercises within games. We painted, drew, and stuck things up on the wall. It wasn’t easy, but there was joy and satisfaction when we achieved the movements we wanted.”
As the Global Mercy begins its next mission in Sierra Leone, Becky’s story embodies Mercy Ships’ mission to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
To those considering volunteering with Mercy Ships, Becky offers this advice: “If you want something that’s enriching, pushes you, and grows you, then it’s for you. You’re not just giving; you also learn and receive a lot. Step out in faith and you won’t be disappointed.”
