Volunteers get hospital patient home

Thursday 30 April 2020

Two Guernsey boat owners came to the rescue when a woman, who had been treated in Southampton Hospital, found herself unable to fly back to the island.

The patient, who does not want to be named, had been receiving medical care in the UK, where she found herself stranded.

On hearing of her situation, Guy and Julia Hands offered up their motor yacht - Julia Caroline - to get her home safely.

They were helped further by Rubis Channel Islands which donated fuel for the trip.

"These are challenging times for our community, but the one thing that has been demonstrated time and time again is the willingness of islanders to support one another," said Captain of the boat, Chad Murray.

Pictured: The Julia Caroline (image from vesselfinder.com)

"Mr and Mrs Hands were pleased to be able to support the patient who needed to return by boat as air travel was unsafe following treatment."

Business Development Manager of Rubis Channel Islands, Ben Mahy, added:

"Rubis would like to congratulate Guy and Julia Hands, and their Captain Chad Murray, on this successful volunteer medivac.

"As a company, Rubis was pleased to be able to help this patient by supplying 50% of the fuel for this trip free of charge.

"Rubis has already donated £20,000 in fuel vouchers to frontline staff at this difficult time as community support in the Channel Islands."

All other costs were covered by Mr and Mrs Hands.

Pictured top: Guy and Julia Hands' boat fuelled by Rubis.