The power of music along, with a short film and commentary will raise awareness of the plight of mothers who are dying in pregnancy and childbirth in Sierra Leone.
Music by guitar greats such as Gordon Giltrap, Steve Hackett and Adrian Legg will be played by Michael Gough a Christian Aid volunteer, who will also be playing his own compositions, as part of a special fundraising concert for Christian Aid.
“Sierra Leone is the most dangerous country in the world to give birth in, by a long margin. It was still recovering from civil war when the Ebola crisis hit. The outbreak killed one in ten health care workers and left the country with significant debt.
“These can seem like impossible situations to tackle – but it is remarkable what can be done when we stand together. Over 20,000 churches take part in Christian Aid Week to support their global neighbour and I am delighted to be part of that movement” said Michael.
Everyone is welcome to the concert Castle Park Arts Centre, Frodsham which are offering their room for free to support the cause.
Kim Horton,Art Centre Manager said “We want to help support Christian Aid to help those mums who are losing their lives and their babies in Sierra Leonne. Our Mission statement to stimulate interest, knowledge and understanding of the Arts in its broadest sense. We are about bringing people together, which is what Christian Aid does. It enables us to reach out with then in solidarity to people across the world who are trapped in desperate poverty”
Churches across Cheshire raised over £18,000 for Christian Aid week in 2018. As well as the concert, churches in the region will this year be organising door-to-door collections, hosting Big Brekkies and holding a range of other fundraising activities.
Christian Aid’s Cheshire Co Ordinator Jude Limb said: “Christian Aid Week is an amazing celebration to change the world, through generosity, solidarity and action.
“We are grateful to everyone who is making this event possible. We passionately believe that, when we come together, the almighty power of people can make a world in which dignity, equality and justice is experienced by everyone ”
Christian Aid is also inviting supporters to join its campaign to drop Sierra Leone’s debt incurred during its fight against Ebola, in 2014-2016, the worst outbreak of the disease in history. Debt repayments are taking money away from desperately needed improvements to healthcare services.
Tickets for the concert, cost a minimum donation £5 per person and can be obtained by contacting jlimb@christian-aid or calling in at the Arts Centre reception or café.
£60 could buy a starter kit for community health workers, which includes a bicycle, torch, rain coat and rain boots. Just £15 could buy a stethoscope or a bucket of paint for a community health clinic.
To find out how to get involved or to donate, visit caweek.org or call 08080 006 006, or text ‘GIVE’ to 70040 to give £5.* Donations will support communities such as those featured and wherever the need is greatest.