From Tragedy to Mission: Barnsley Nurse Champions Rabies Eradication After Mother’s Death in Morocco
Barnsley, UK – July 29, 2025 – A devastating loss has ignited a powerful mission for Robyn Thomson, a 32-year-old neonatology nurse from barnsley. Following the tragic death of her 59-year-old mother, Yvonne ford, from rabies after a trip to Morocco, Thomson is dedicating herself to preventing similar heartbreaks.Yvonne Ford passed away in her home country after contracting the disease following contact with a stray puppy during her Moroccan holiday.
Robyn Thomson, a mother of two, has set a clear objective: to ensure widespread dog vaccination against rabies and to contribute to the global eradication of this deadly disease. Her commitment will see her travel to Cambodia in October as a volunteer for Mission Rabies, an award-winning organization renowned for its mass dog vaccination campaigns, rabies surveillance, and vital community education initiatives across Asia and Africa.
The core strategy of Mission Rabies, and Thomson’s focus, is to achieve herd immunity by vaccinating at least 70% of the dog population. This, coupled with educating children on how to identify possibly rabid animals and stay safe, is crucial for eliminating the threat of rabies. To fund her vital work, Thomson has launched a GoFundMe campaign, appealing for public support to cover her travel, accommodation, and project expenses.
“This is something I have to do,” Thomson stated. “If I can only save one life through this work, or spare another family the suffering we have endured, then it will transform something negative into something positive.”
Yvonne Ford’s fatal illness began on June 11th, after experiencing a headache.Her contact with the stray puppy occurred in Febuary during her Moroccan vacation. “She was slightly scratched by a puppy in Morocco in February,” Robyn explained in a Facebook post in June. “At the time, she didn’t think it would have consequences and didn’t pay much attention to it. Two weeks ago she got sick; it started with a headache and ended with the loss of her ability to walk, speak, sleep, and swallow.”
Driven by her grief, Robyn Thomson is channeling her energy into action, focusing on vaccinating dogs, supporting surveillance efforts, and delivering life-saving education in schools.
