A single, seemingly innocent scratch during a sunny Moroccan holiday would ultimately change the course of Robyn Thomson's life forever. Her mother Yvonne Ford's unexpected death from rabies transformed personal grief into a powerful global health mission.

When Yvonne returned from her Morocco trip in February, nothing seemed amiss. She spoke glowingly about her travels, recommending the destination to others, unaware that a brief encounter with a puppy would set in motion a devastating chain of events.

In June, flu-like symptoms began to emerge. As a trained nurse, Robyn watched in horror as her mother's condition rapidly deteriorated. Headaches and fever gave way to complete loss of mobility and appetite. By the time doctors diagnosed rabies, it was tragically too late.

Yvonne became the seventh UK rabies fatality since 2000 - a statistic that would have remained just a number if not for her daughter's remarkable response. Instead of succumbing to grief, Robyn made an extraordinary commitment: to help reduce the estimated 60,000 annual global rabies deaths to zero by 2030.

Partnering with Mission Rabies, Robyn and her husband Andrew launched an ambitious vaccination campaign. Their first mission in Cambodia saw them immunizing an incredible 10,000 dogs in a single day - a record for the organization. "I want to turn what happened into a positive," Robyn explained, her determination transforming personal tragedy into global hope.

Mission Rabies CEO Luke Gamble praised the couple's incredible work, acknowledging the challenging nature of their volunteer efforts. "It's door-to-door work in intense heat, from dawn until dusk," he said, highlighting their commitment to breaking the cycle of rabies transmission.

With plans to continue their work in Malawi and potentially establish an annual tradition of dog vaccination missions, Robyn is proving that personal loss can become a powerful catalyst for meaningful change. Her message is clear: awareness and action can save lives, one vaccination at a time.