Ascot man who dedicated his life to Mercy Ships has died

Dr Keith Thomson, who previously worked at the Wexham Hospital in Slough, dedicated himself to improving medical services in West Africa through Mercy Ships, a charity that delivers vital, free healthcare to people in need.

Dr Keith, who lived in Ascot, went on to volunteer as an anaesthetist 24 times from 1991 to 2007 in more than 10 African nations. He is being remembered as “a man of great generosity of spirit”.

His career with international Christian charity Mercy Ships started in 1990 when, as a newly appointed consultant anaesthetist, he read an article in the Daily Telegraph about the charity’s first hospital ship – the Anastasis.

During his tour, he was so moved by the charity’s determination to bring hope and healing to the world’s poorest countries through free surgeries and training that he decided he would volunteer for three weeks the following year when the ship was based in Tema, Ghana.  

But what was initially a short volunteering trip during annual leave from his NHS work at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, quickly grew into a consuming passion. 

He said: “Mercy Ships has been in my blood since the first time I volunteered for one of their ships in 1991 and I honestly believe it’s the best medical charity anyone could support.” 

A patient whose life he saved through his kindness, was Catherine Conteh from Sierra Leone.

Now a successful health practitioner herself, Catherine previously reflected: “The idea that someone would come and help you without knowing you, someone who did not come from our background and who is totally different but is willing to give you the gift of life is incredible.”

‘Dr Keith’, as he was affectionately known by the organisation, was awarded top honour of the Pask Certificate in 2009 by The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain & Ireland. This was in recognition of his volunteer work with the Mercy Ships.

He said: “Working onboard as part of an international team of volunteer medics is hugely exciting but the most rewarding aspect is seeing the patients after surgery and realising that their lives have literally changed overnight.

“Their surgeries aren’t just operations – they give them back hope and a chance to lead a normal life. Often our patients are outcasts in their communities because of their physical deformities but after surgery they are once again accepted into their families.  

“My experiences with Mercy Ships have been the most rewarding of my life and I would encourage everyone who is considering volunteering to look at Mercy Ships.” 

Since 2007, Dr Keith was involved in medical training with Mercy Ships to strengthen African health systems. He organised the delivery of the SAFE (Safer Anaesthesia from Education) course in 15 African nations.

Even after he retired in 2014, Dr Keith continued to play a vital role in Mercy Ships service as an International and UK Board member. 

Fellow Mercy Ships International board member, Lois Boyle, said: “Keith was truly one-of-a-kind. His contribution to Mercy Ships was incalculable but his commitment to the people of Africa went well beyond Mercy Ships. Whether he was sponsoring someone to pursue their dreams to work in healthcare or supporting a former patient to find a job, his infectious passion for helping others knew no bounds.”

In March 2022, Dr Keith was introduced to HRH Princess Anne on board the Global Mercy in Rotterdam, as the brand-new hospital ship was being launched. It was her first engagement as patron of Mercy Ships International. 

Dr Keith said in an interview shortly before he passed away: “I feel I have managed to contribute quite a lot in my life… I think I've had a life well lived. I'm not disappointed in my life at all, and the people I've been able to help.”

Dr Keith passed away peacefully on the morning of April 19, aged 75, listening to the Soweto Gospel Choir’s recording of ‘Amazing Grace’.