Turning Grief into Action: Robyn Thomson's Mission Against Rabies

Robyn Thomson's life changed dramatically following the death of her mother, Yvonne Ford, from rabies, a disease that remains largely overlooked in many parts of the world. Yvonne, who returned from a holiday in Morocco in February 2026, had interacted with a puppy, which led to a dormant infection that manifested in June. Despite showing no initial symptoms, she developed severe flu-like symptoms, and by the time she was diagnosed with rabies, it was too late for treatment. Yvonne Ford passed away on June 11, 2026, becoming one of only seven rabies-related fatalities in the UK since 2000.

The Guardian

In the wake of her mother's death, Robyn Thomson has dedicated herself to combating rabies through vaccination efforts. Partnering with Mission Rabies, she aims to immunize dogs in regions where the disease is prevalent, with a goal of vaccinating 70% of local dog populations to disrupt the transmission cycle. Robyn's first mission took her to Cambodia in October 2026, where she and her husband, Andrew, volunteered to vaccinate stray dogs. They achieved a record of immunizing 10,000 dogs in a single day, contributing to Mission Rabies' broader goal of vaccinating nearly half a million dogs in Cambodia.

The Guardian

Rabies is a significant global health issue, claiming approximately 60,000 lives annually outside the UK, often in regions where awareness and resources are limited. Robyn emphasizes the need for increased attention to rabies, stating, “It’s on the other side of the world, people don’t care that much... But it affects people somewhere and that’s why we’re doing this.” Her commitment to this cause is not only a tribute to her mother but also a call to action for others to recognize the importance of rabies vaccination.

The Guardian

Luke Gamble, the CEO of Mission Rabies, praised Robyn and Andrew for their dedication, stating, “Both Robyn and Andrew have been an inspiration to all of us... This isn’t easy work – it’s going door to door, from dawn until dusk in intense heat.” He highlighted their efforts as crucial in the fight against rabies and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the charity.

The Guardian

While Robyn's efforts have been met with support, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of such initiatives. Critics argue that without consistent funding and local engagement, vaccination efforts may not lead to long-term changes in rabies transmission rates.

The Guardian

Robyn Thomson plans to continue her mission by traveling to Malawi next year, contingent on successful fundraising efforts. She hopes to establish an annual tradition of helping different communities, aiming to transform her personal tragedy into a positive force for change in the fight against rabies.

The Guardian

“You never think it would happen to you,” — Robyn Thomson, daughter of Yvonne Ford

The Guardian

“It’s a bit of a blur because we did so many.” — Robyn Thomson, reflecting on her vaccination efforts

The Guardian

“This isn’t easy work – it’s going door to door, from dawn until dusk in intense heat, to reach every dog we can. I’m so incredibly grateful to them and all the other amazing volunteers who make this possible.” — Luke Gamble, CEO of Mission Rabies

The Guardian