THE money raised in Dorchester during Christian Aid Week is enough to provide solar panels for five hospitals in Sierra Leone.

This year residents came together to host a number of events with the aim of raising as much money as possible for Christian Aid.

The theme was ‘all mums should live’ and focused on helping mums in Sierra Leone, where 10 women die every day from giving birth.

It has now been revealed that just under £13,900 was raised for the charity by the town.

Tony Boyden, Chairman of Dorchester and District Christian Aid, said: “We raised just under £13,900 during the week.

“Much of this came from house-to-house collections but other important fundraisers were Big Brekkies - at Dorford Baptist Church, the Quakers and St Peters-; the Christian Aid Market and lunches; the street collection in South Street; the sponsored walk to the River Jordan.

“The Christian Aid Ecumenical Service at St Peter’s was a great success with an excellent contribution from Katie Roberts, Head of the South West Region of Christian Aid.

“So many people worked tirelessly during the week and my grateful thanks goes to them all, as well as to those who contributed funds.”

Fiona Daborn, Regional Co-ordinator in Dorset for Christian Aid, has thanked everyone who took part.

She said: “A huge thank you goes to the members of the Dorchester Christian Aid group, who worked so hard to raise this fantastic amount, and to the people of Dorchester who gave so generously.

“I was able to attend the Wednesday Christian Aid market and lunches at the United Church and was really impressed with the turnout of stalls and visitors.

“This year we were highlighting our work in rural Sierra Leone, working through our local partner (RADA) to rehabilitate local hospitals. Many do not have toilets, running water or electricity.

“Now, through Christian Aid, RADA is busy working to install solar panels onto hospitals, harnessing the power of the sun to help midwives get the light that they need to deliver babies safely. As an example, the amount raised, just under £13,900, would be enough to provide solar panels for five hospitals (each serving up to 3.000 people) – a wonderful contribution.”

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