A volunteer surgeon working on the international Christian charity Mercy Ships said that most of his patients feel "trapped behind their facial tumors" and he treats them not only by performing surgeries but also by giving them much-needed care and acceptance.

Dr. Leo Cheng is a consultant oral, maxillofacial, head and neck Surgeon at St Bartholomew's, The Royal London and Homerton Hospitals. He will volunteer his services the third time around to the Africa Mercy, and bring his wife Hilary, a Methodist minister serving at three churches in Chingford and Highams Park, to help the less fortunate.

The Africa Mercy, a hospital ship that delivers free, world-class health care services to developing countries is docked in Madagascar, where 10,000 people rely on only two physicians and three hospital beds for their medical needs.

Since he volunteered, Cheng performs around two to three surgeries a day, often on patients who will be receiving health care for the first time in their lives. They have large thyroid, head and neck tumors, or serious wounds.

"So many of the patients I meet on board are trapped behind their facial tumours and, from my experience, the healing process begins with when you just show them a bit of human contact and acceptance. Seeing the tremendous joy and happiness that overcomes the patient once their tumour or deformity is removed is such a special moment to witness," shared Cheng.

He described his work as "electrifying", as the staff of Mercy Ships are all united in the goal of bringing hope and healing patients. "What I have learnt from volunteering with Mercy Ships is that by 'giving', you receive more blessings from God. Every time I return to the ship I learn more and more from the many spiritual giants on board – all of whom are selfless and humble, and a true model of Jesus for all to follow," he added.

Meanwhile, his wife will promote emotional and spiritual healing by serving as a chaplain for the patients on board.

The couple selflessly gave up two weeks of their annual leave to volunteer their time and skills on the Africa Mercy. What's more, Mercy Ships volunteers actually pay to be on the ship so that all donations made to the charity go straight to patient care and maintenance of the hospital ship.