This year’s Christian Aid Week has been hailed a success.

Fiona Daborn, the charity’s regional co-ordinator for Dorset, has praised all those who came together to raise money for those less fortunate than themselves.

The theme of this year’s Christian Aid Week was ‘All mums should live’ and focused on helping mums in Sierra Leone, where 10 women die every day from giving birth.

Mrs Daborn said: “A huge thank you to everyone in Dorset who was involved in Christian Aid Week 2019. It was fantastic to visit some of the many events taking place across the country. Thank you to those who served up Big Brekkies in Weymouth, Bridport, Blandford and beyond. The new all male catering team were rushed off their feet serving local families more than 40 full English and continental breakfasts at St Swithuns church on Saturday, May 18 with the amazing Verena, aged 88, taking money at the door.

“We have been so inspired by all those taking part in sponsored walks, browsing the Dorchester Christian Aid market, enjoying jazz in Bradpole and tucking into cream teas in Beaminster and Lyme Regis – in Lyme the Christian Aid group raised an amazing £593 in one afternoon. Church services across the county took a Christian Aid theme and as Regional Coordinator for Dorset it was a privilege to speak in churches in Sherborne, Poole, Swanage and Weymouth.

“We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers and supporters who give up their free time to help others. Last year in Dorset, together we raised over £106,000 during Christian Aid Week. What difference does it make? As an example, this would have been enough to install solar panels onto 43 clinics in rural Sierra Leone meaning that instead of delivering babies by torchlight, nurses would have light to see, leading to safer births and healthier families. Thank you for being part of the story again in 2019”.