Christmas Appeal 2025

This Christmas, we would like to share with you the story of Robert, a seafarer who faced unimaginable loss last December, and how, in his darkest hour, he found comfort and hope through the care of our port chaplain, Ruth Campbell.

We hope you will be inspired by Ruth’s heartfelt message, and support our Christmas Appeal this year. Your help allows us to expand our vital frontline work and help more seafarers in need.

“When Robert docked in Tilbury just before Christmas, he received the devastating news that his five-year-old son had been involved in a serious accident. As a port chaplain with The Mission to Seafarers, I was called to his ship immediately.

From the moment we met, Robert was open and deeply grateful for the support of The Mission to Seafarers. He was in shock, struggling to process the news and desperate for updates from home. I stayed with him as he navigated a storm of emotions – fear, distress, disbelief. When news came that his son was on life support, we prayed together and held onto a glimmer of hope.

The next day, hope gave way to heartbreak. The decision was made to turn off life support.

I helped Robert say goodbye, arranging a video call so he could be present in his son’s final moments and offer love to his family across the oceans that separated them.

In the days that followed, we made sure Robert was never alone. I remained with him, offering presence when he needed company, silence when he needed space, and the spiritual support he requested. With the help of the shipping company and port agents we fast-tracked his journey home, and I reached out to colleagues in the Philippines to ensure continued pastoral care would be in place for him and his family.

On the day of the funeral, we lit a candle for his son in Tilbury. At Christmas, and on his son’s birthday, we stayed in touch. We still are.

This is the heart of The Mission to Seafarers. Every Christmas, and throughout the year, our Chaplains offer human connection and vital support to seafarers across the world, whenever and wherever we are needed. I am deeply grateful to be part of this work, and to have stood beside Robert in his darkest hour.

As you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones, please take a moment to remember the seafarers who sacrifice so much to keep our world moving.

With your generosity, we can make a real and immediate difference, and remind them that they are valued, cared for, and never alone. Please donate whatever you can this Christmas so that more seafarers can find a friend in a port when they need it most. Thank you for your compassion, and may I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas.