From abandoned newborn to healer at sea: Becky Chaplin’s inspiring Mercy Ships journey
Becky Chaplin’s life is a story of resilience, identity, and service. Found abandoned as a newborn in Kenya and adopted by a British missionary couple, she has now come full circle. Today, the 31-year-old occupational therapist leads rehabilitation service aboard the Global Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship operated by Mercy Ships.
Raised between Kenya and the UK, Becky’s unique background shaped her worldview. “Living in Kenya, I saw both sides,” she said. “I was exposed to extreme poverty and the opportunities you can have with education.” Her dual identity, she believes, allows her to connect across cultures.
A calling to serve through rehabilitation
Becky’s career in occupational therapy began in UK hospitals, where she worked in burn and hand therapy. But in 2023, she felt a deeper calling and joined Mercy Ships on a three-month mission in Senegal. “I loved being back in an African country with people that look like me,” she shared. That experience confirmed her passion for serving vulnerable communities.
Now as Rehabilitation Team Leader on the Global Mercy, Becky helps patients recover from life-changing surgeries. She recalls one patient vividly—a 10-year-old girl from Senegal who required rehabilitation for a contracture. To encourage progress, Becky disguised exercises as play through painting, drawing, and games. “It wasn’t easy, but the joy and satisfaction came when we achieved the movements we wanted,” she said.
Bringing hope aboard the Global Mercy
The Global Mercy is staffed by a multinational crew of volunteers, all dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems in Africa. Becky leads her team in post-operative care, giving patients—especially children with burns or congenital conditions—a chance at a better life.
As the ship prepares for its next mission in Sierra Leone, Becky embodies the spirit of Mercy Ships. Her advice to those considering volunteering is heartfelt: “If you want something enriching, that 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.”
