A family of seven from Liverpool are currently volunteering in war-torn Liberia as part of an international crew on board the Africa Mercy - the world's largest hospital ship currently providing free medical care to thousands of people in the west African country.

Andy Cole, newly appointed chief engineer on board the Africa Mercy, his wife Brenda, Human Resources Manager, and their five children, Matt, 21, Steve, 19, Emma, 16, Chris, 15, and Josh, 12, are all living and volunteering on board the ship.

Engineering has followed Andy through his life and his career led him to Mercy Ships eight years ago when he embarked on helping with the transformation of the Africa Mercy, from a rail ferry to a state-of-the-art hospital ship.

The engineers on board the Africa Mercy play a crucial part in the running of the ship ensuring the safety of the patients and volunteers and Andy is not the only member of the family with engineering in his blood.

Matt Cole, following in his father's footsteps volunteering as an engine hand, said: "It may seem unique that we all live and work together on the ship but it works for us. We want to make a difference and help improve the lives of others. Mercy Ships is very dear to all our hearts and we believe that we can really make a difference.

"Mercy Ships depends entirely on volunteers to continue its work and it is the most rewarding experience helping the people of Liberia. I love meeting different people and experiencing different cultures and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Mercy Ships."

Andy Cole said: "The children absolutely love being here and interacting with the local children. We feel that we have given them a very special opportunity and we are very proud of each one of them. They are experiencing life lessons that cannot be taught but will shape their lives forever.

"I have always wanted to use my skills and qualifications in engineering to do something worthwhile and when we heard of Mercy Ships, a project that the whole family could be a part of, we were thrilled that we could all help in some way."

Judy Polkinhorn, Executive Director of Mercy Ships UK said: "The volunteers at Mercy Ships are extremely precious to us. The Cole family are particularly special and it's wonderful to see how well their family works together and the special bonds the children have made with the local children. They have such big hearts.

"To be a volunteer you have to be courageous, brave, committed and passionate and these are qualities that are so deeply admired in our volunteers who selflessly give up their time and their holidays to help carry out the lifesaving work of Mercy Ships."

Mercy Ships has treated more than 230,000 people in village medical clinics, performed more than 35,000 surgeries, 190,000 dental treatments and completed over 950 construction and agricultural projects, including schools, clinics, orphanages and water wells.

On the web: www.mercyships.org.uk.