AID donated by Poole parishioners that could save thousands of lives has been shipped to Zimbabwe’s capital Harare, to await distribution to poverty-stricken rural communities in the New Year.

The consignment, including medicines, water purification equipment and hospital blankets, has been organised by Poole charity Rivers of Living Water. However, more money is urgently needed to enable volunteers to transport it to the people who need it the most.

Charity founder Rev Alan Clarredge of Rossmore Gospel Church, Poole, will jet out to Harare for five weeks in January.

Mr Clarredge, who treated Zimbabwe’s first lady – Sally Francesca Hayfron – while working as a medical technician in Zimbabwe throughout the 1980s has been organising mercy missions to rural communities in the troubled African nation for years.

Speaking from his Muscliffe home, he told the Daily Echo: “We urgently need money for fuel and other expenses so we can distribute this aid, which is now waiting in storage in Harare.

“This aid is enough to save the lives of thousands of people.”

This year’s shipment includes five water treatment plants, which will enable Mr Clarredge to repair water purification systems at the main hospital in Bulawayo and to install new systems at three other rural locations.

“The hospital at Bulawayo is desperate for money,” he said.

“It’s roughly the same size as Poole Hospital but has only 500 American dollars in the bank.”

The reverend was last in Zimbabwe this February.

Since then parishioners from United Reformed churches across the south west, along with Rossmore Gospel Church and Daily Echo readers have donated hundreds of boxes of medicines and more than £14,000.

For information on the charity, including how to donate, visit: riversoflivingwater.co.uk