Life at sea can be incredibly difficult and unfortunately for some, the hard times continue on land. With the help of a loving community we were able to give a fisherman a Christmas miracle.
After four difficult years living in a homeless hostel, things finally started to look brighter for Plymouth fisherman Ian. Securing settled accommodation brought hope—but just before Christmas 2022, Ian suffered a heart attack and was admitted to hospital.
Helen Lovell, Fishermen’s Mission Port Officer in Devon, shares how we supported Ian, alongside a caring local community:
“Ian already had COPD, which worsened after being rescued from the sea in 2016. He was unconscious for four days, and the seawater he ingested aggravated his condition. Today, he can only walk a few steps, and the heart attack made things worse. As Christmas approached, we rallied support from around Brixham to furnish Ian’s flat, making it feel like home. Ian slowly recovered, and being able to return to his own home after being so poorly meant everything to him. We also arranged a regular financial grant, giving him stability and comfort in his twilight years.”
Ian reflects on the impact of the support he received:
“Getting stability in my life with somewhere to call home means everything. The help the Fishermen’s Mission gave me has been life-changing. I can’t thank them enough.”
Supporting Every Fisherman in the Community
Helen’s dedication is rooted in her own experience. Born into a fishing family and married to a Brixham fisherman, she understands the demands and dangers of life at sea.
2023 began with emergency incidents, including fatalities at sea, alongside ongoing welfare cases. Helen explains:
“Understanding how fishermen operate is crucial. Many crew here are migrant fishermen, mostly from Ghana. Through our Fishing for Better Health Clinics, we helped them register with local GPs, ensuring access to healthcare despite the physical demands of their jobs. Form filling isn’t easy for them, so we step in. To us, they’re not numbers—they’re human beings who need to know they will be cared for when difficulties arise.”
During one clinic, Helen was joined by John from Prostate Cancer UK and volunteers from Read Easy, helping fishermen complete essential forms after a chilly morning on the quay.
“The vessels won’t all be in until the weekend, but it was a good morning. Hopefully, the fishermen will join us at our Nine Lessons and Carols Service tonight,” Helen adds.
Your Support Makes This Possible
The dedication Helen shows every day is made possible by the generosity of our supporters. Your donations ensure we can continue providing financial, physical, and welfare support to fishermen and their families across the UK.
