GENEROUS charity supporters across Hampshire have helped raise thousands of pounds for being affected by natural disaster.

Christian Aid donations from across the county have helped to raise more than £30,000 for victims of war and earthquakes.

The funding has helped to buy emergency supplies, including anything from food for exhausted refugees, psychological support for victims of war in the Middle East and robust new shelters for those in Nepal.

The money comes after almost a year of fundraising and collections after the aid and development charity launched emergency appeals for Nepal and the refugee crisis.

Among those supporting Christian Aid was Winchester Cathedral, which raised more than £2,700 for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal and both Romsey and Chandler’s Ford Christian Aid groups each raised more than £1,500.

Stephen Dominy, a member of the Chandler’s Ford Christian Aid Group, said: “It is almost impossible to imagine the fear and desperation these families must endure as they make their uncertain way to a safer place. We must never be so overwhelmed by the numbers of people making these journeys that we forget that each one is a human being needing food, refuge, warmth and security.

“In Chandler’s Ford, as in so many communities across Hampshire and the country, we felt moved to do something and were delighted that people gave so generously. The crisis features less on our television screens at the moment but now winter approaches the plight of those on the move is worsening significantly.

“The crisis remains in our prayers and collectively and individually I know we will continue to consider what else we can do whether it be lobbying the Government to respond fairly to the crisis or through donations.”

With long-term partners in Iraq, Lebanon and Syria and sister agencies in Greece and Serbia, Christian Aid is helping to provide emergency relief to thousands of people who have left almost everything behind.

When a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the worst for 81 years, struck Nepal on the morning of April 25, Christian Aid partner organisations were already at work in nearby India and placed to respond to the crisis.

In the immediate aftermath Christian Aid reached almost 100,000 people providing water purification tablets, shelter and emergency hygiene kits.

The focus has now turned to training carpenters and masons on safe and resilient construction techniques and giving families an opportunity to earn a living again through a voucher scheme which can, for example, be used to buy seeds or bio-fertilisers.

Christian Aid Regional Coordinator for Hampshire, Charlotte Scott added: “It has been a dramatic year with images of suffering that have touched many here in Hampshire.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those across the county who have been moved to stand in solidarity with those whose lives have been changed forever.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Hampshire and UK public Christian Aid is able to fund projects in Nepal, Europe and the Middle East and will continue to help people rebuild their lives and provide essential supplies to those in acute need.”