Cookstown missionary Maud Kells coming home ‘as soon as she is fit’

Discharged from hospital into the care of a doctor friend and his wife barely a week after being shot by bandits in DR Congo, Maud is understood to be “recovering well, but is still in much pain”.

Having worked as a missionary nurse in DRC since 1968, the 75-year-old was attacked on January 6 at her home in jungle village, Mulita.

Following the shooting the recently appointed OBE was airlifted to hospital, where she underwent a blood transfusion and surgery for injuries that included loss of blood, wounds and a broken rib. The bullet is said to have passed right through her body.

Philip Crooks, who works alongside Maud for missionary agency WEC International, told the Mail: “Maud is recovering well, but is still in much pain.

“The wounds are being dressed twice daily [and] she is sitting up for a while, but in bed still much of the time.

“Maud will move from her current location this week, accompanied by a doctor friend and his wife.

“She will remain under their care until she is fit to travel back to Europe,” he added.

“[But] it is thought that it will be some weeks yet, before Maud is well enough to make her way home.”

Speaking on behalf of WEC (Worldwide Evangelisation for Christ International) and also Molesworth Presbyterian Church in Cookstown, Mr Crooks has also extended his thanks to everyone for their prayers and kindness, and has asked that well-wishers “continue to pray for a full recovery for Maud”.