Mansfield churches have raised hundreds of pounds to help vulnerable people across the globe thanks to those feeling relief and gratitude after receiving a coronavirus vaccine.

Mansfield Christian Aid Group has enabled local people to pass on the blessing of being vaccinated by making a donation to Christian Aid’s Coronavirus Appeal.

Funds from the appeal are helping vulnerable people across the globe to access soap, water, food and vital health information in the face of the pandemic. Many communities face an uncertain wait for a vaccine as questions remain around the cost and timing of a global vaccine programme.

Associate priest at St Mark’s Church, Mansfield, the Rev Dr James Curry, said: “The various Covid-19 vaccines are bringing a real sense of relief and hope to so many people across the UK.

“I have had my first vaccination and it has helped me feel an added level of protection and security.

“This initiative by Christian Aid, of expressing gratitude by reaching out and helping others, is one I readily endorse.”

Mansfield churches have already raised more than £800 towards the appeal and would like to extend it to the wider community in Mansfield.

Christian Aid partners have so far directly helped over half a million people in 27 countries, including distributing food packages to nearly 60,000 people struggling to feed their families after losing work during lockdown and the economic downturn.

Christian Aid will support vaccination programmes in communities by providing data on hard-to-reach populations to local health services and by working with trusted community figures to challenge misleading information about the virus and vaccination as well as any stigma faced by those who contract Covid-19.

Christian Aid’s head of community fundraising and public engagement, Chine McDonald, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has shown that none of us are safe, until all of us are safe.

“It has been amazing to see the speed at which the vaccines have been rolled out in the UK — every jab in someone’s arm brings us closer to the end of Covid-19.

“But the reality is that richer countries like ours are getting more access to vaccines, while the poorer countries in which Christian Aid works are left at the back of the queue.

“As a Christian organisation, we believe that every person is equal in the sight of God and worthy of living lives with dignity, equality and justice.

“We’re delighted to give the people of Mansfield an opportunity to say thanks and help protect our global neighbours while the vaccine is out of reach.”

People can donate to the appeal, ‘Giving thanks for our vaccines in Mansfield’, by visiting https://giving.tapsimple.org/online/christian-aid/mansfieldcag