Former British Prime Minister Visits First Coast

By Kyle Meenan First Coast News

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- He led our nation's top ally from 1990 through 1997, and now Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major is giving back.

On Saturday night, Major delivered the keynote address before hundreds gathered at a gala fundraiser for the non-profit Mercy Ships.

"Well, it's simply because they do good that nobody else is able to do," said Major.

The non-profit floating hospitals known as Mercy Ships offer health care where there is none. They give hope to those in the poorest nations who have none.

The Mercy Ships don't charge patients a penny for their world-class health care, which is provided by health-care experts who don't EARN a penny.

Prominent Jacksonville Attorney and Philanthropist Charles D. Towers, Jr., serves as an International Board Member of Mercy Ships.

"The crews on these ships, from the physicians and surgeons and nurses right down to the people that work in the galley, PAY money to work for nothing," said Towers.

"They are motivated by this tremendous compassion to reach out to the poorest of the poor."

"And I think it would take someone who's pretty sturdy hearted not to be impressed by that, and not to contribute if they could!" added Mr. Majors.

Saturday night's black-tie gala at the Jacksonville Hyatt Regency is expected to help fundraisers top the two million dollar goal for the newest Mercy Ship to be christened in the coming weeks.

The Former Prime Minister says he's enjoying philanthropic work after so many years in the political arena.

First Coast News' Kyle Meenan enjoyed a lively exchange with the former Prime Minister when asking about his years in private life.

"Do you miss being..." asked Kyle, who was quickly met by a sturdy, "No!" from Mr. Major.

As the room filled with laughter, Kyle continued.

"(I) didn't even get to finish the question!"

The smiling former Prime Minister didn't miss a beat.

"I had a shrewd idea what the question was!"

If you are interested in learning more about the work of the Mercy Ships, or if you'd like to make a donation to help them with their life saving work, you can look them up at: www.mercyships.org.

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