A Barnsley Woman's Tragic Death from Rabies Inspires a Global Mission
Robyn Thomson's mother, Yvonne Ford, died from rabies in June 2025, becoming the seventh person in the UK to succumb to the disease since 2000. The 59-year-old had contracted the virus from a seemingly harmless interaction with a puppy in Morocco in February. Despite showing no signs of illness for months, Yvonne's condition rapidly deteriorated, leaving her bedridden and unable to eat. Robyn, a trained nurse, was devastated by her mother's death, especially as the cause of her illness remained a mystery.
Robyn's disbelief and determination to make a difference led her to partner with Mission Rabies, a charity dedicated to eradicating the disease. She vowed to bring the number of rabies deaths worldwide to zero by 2030, inspired by her mother's memory. Robyn and her husband, Andrew, embarked on their first mission to Cambodia in October, aiming to immunize 70% of the local dog population. Their efforts were successful, setting a record for the most dogs immunized in one area in a single day.
The couple's dedication and hard work have been praised by Luke Gamble, the chief executive of Mission Rabies. He highlighted their ability to turn their grief into a force for good, inspiring others to join the fight against rabies. Robyn's mission is far from over, as she plans to continue traveling to countries where rabies is prevalent, immunizing dogs, and raising awareness.
Despite the challenges, Robyn remains committed to her goal, driven by the memory of her mother and the knowledge that rabies is a preventable disease. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of personal tragedy and the potential for positive change through global collaboration.
