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When Denise Ngum graduated as an electrical engineer in Cameroon, she never imagined her career would eventually take her aboard the largest civilian hospital ships in the world.
Back in 2016, Denise was one of just seven women in a class of 45. Despite four years of focused study, she struggled to find a job in the male-dominated field. To earn a living, she learnt sewing at a women’s empowerment centre, bought a sewing machine, and started making clothes. All the while, Denise prayed for a chance to build the career she dreamed of.
Encountering an opportunity beyond her dreams
In 2017, Denise heard that Mercy Ships’ floating hospital, the Africa Mercy, was coming to Cameroon to provide free, life-changing surgical care and training. There was one electrical role available.
“I had never heard about Mercy Ships before,” Denise says. “I decided to apply to work in the galley because being female, I just didn’t think I stood a chance of getting the one electrician role.”
But Denise’s pastor persuaded her to apply for the electrical position instead.
“When I heard I had got the position as an electrician on board I just couldn’t believe it. I was so excited.”
Mercy Ships welcomed her aboard, and a dream was realised: Denise became an official member of the hospital ship’s electrical crew.
“By the grace of God I was able to prove myself,” she says. “[Mercy Ships] is open to everyone, male or female; everyone is equal to them. I loved being able to work as an electrician, doing the work that I had studied so hard for.”
Denise quickly discovered that Mercy Ships was more than a workplace - it was a community. Every role on board, from electricians to surgeons, from cooks to teachers, worked together for one purpose: to bring hope and healing to the patients coming on board for long-awaited surgeries.
“I was amazed at the support I was given,” Denise explains. “The Chief Electrician encouraged me to think about what my next step could be with training. He told me that Mercy Ships could be a platform for gaining new skills.”
What started as a two-year contract became seven years of service. Denise sailed with Mercy Ships to Guinea, Madagascar, Senegal, Tenerife, South Africa, and Ghana. Each new port brought new patients, each with their own inspiring story of transformation.
Walking into a brighter future
Denise’s commitment and skill opened an extraordinary door: the chance to train at the South Shields Marine School in Newcastle.
“I was pretty excited but scared and nervous at the same time,” she remembers. “That year was a huge opportunity for me… I returned to Mercy Ships fuelled with knowledge and experience.”
Today, Denise has moved up the ranks and works as a 3rd Electrical Technical Officer in the cruise industry.
“I would never have dreamt of getting the opportunity to study to become an Electrical Technical Officer,” she says. “Mercy Ships opened up a whole new experience for me and I’m so grateful. They gave me knowledge and shaped my perspective.”
Her story is just one example of how Mercy Ships helps people find a brighter future — not only for patients receiving free, safe surgeries, but also for the many crewmembers and trainees who share their skills and time on board.
The future starts with you
In a world full of hard news, Mercy Ships’ floating hospitals are ships of hope and joy. They bring safe surgery to women, men, and children in sub-Saharan Africa. And they show what’s possible when people from every walk of life come together — from engineers to nurses, cooks, teachers, and more.
The life-changing surgeries and training on board would not be possible without supporters like you. Whether you give, pray, or volunteer, you can be part of creating a brighter future and making a real difference.
For patients walking up the gangway — children like two-year-old Armella, now tumour-free and excited to grow and play — the future starts with you.
For more stories of hope and healing, visit mercyships.org.uk/healing. Follow us on social media for inspiring updates, and sign up to our newsletter to discover how you can make a lasting difference today.
