While many travel to the Pacific Islands to relax in the sun, one Tauranga doctor keeps busy with lifesaving work when heading to Tonga.

Dr Trish Knox self-funds her annual travel to Tonga about July or September, to support the community and particularly those with disabilities, as disability support in the island countries is limited.

It all started in 2010, when Trish and her husband Andrew moved to Tonga to live for a year with their two preschool-age children. There Trish worked fulltime volunteering for a Village Mission Pharmacy.

“Looking back, it was a very special time as when we returned two years later, my husband got motor neurone disease and died 18 months later,” says Trish.

“It was while we lived in Tonga that we started our association with The Mango Tree.”

The mission

Trish says The Mango Tree is a mission of the Nazarene Church, which is an outreach to disabled children and adults.

“In Tonga there is extremely limited support for disabilities," says Trish.

Trish Knox, her late husband Andrew, and their young children Samuel Knox and Naomi Knoxin Tonga. Photo: supplied.

“The Mango Tree runs physiotherapy sessions and education sessions for children and adults with disabilities.”

Trish says The Mango Tree provides specialised donated equipment to those who need it, including wheelchairs and walkers.

“This equipment is vital to allow independence of the disabled person and their families.

“Like many cultures, there is a lot of pain and distress around having a disability or having a child with a disability. For many families, life is a struggle.

“I saw parents and children thrive in an environment of care and acceptance. Since we returned to New Zealand, I have visited most years.”

Health clinic

Trish voluntarily runs a health clinic for the Mango Tree community for a week each time she visits Tonga.

“I screen for diabetes and high blood pressure, I deworm as many kids as possible that I can get my hands on, and in the afternoon I do home visits," says Trish.

The Mango Tree provides specialised donated equipment to those who need it, including wheelchairs and walkers. Photo: supplied.

“It has been wonderful to see the children grow up. The Tongans are incredibly resilient. I’ve seen some very sad medical cases, but they are so grateful for medical input and care. Caring and acceptance is very powerful.

“Over the years I’ve seen children and families realise that they matter, that they are valued. For me this is even more important than the medical care I am able to give.”

Trish’s next trip to Tonga will be in 2025.