Two priests from Islington leading relief team to Sri Lanka

Press release from St Mary, Islington

Revd Dr Emma Loveridge, director of Wind, Sands & Stars Ltd and honorary curate at St Mary Islington, is leading a 10 day relief team of 10 experienced medics and engineers to Sri Lanka. Revd Jessica Swift, curate, will also be part of the team. They will leave on 19 January and will work under the direction of Lanka Bible College, who have been mission partners with the church for many years. The team have been in close contact with the Sri Lankan High Commission.

Kapila, a student at the college, has described how he and others helped a church in Galle and brought ashore more than a hundred dead bodies. In one situation, they had to break the windows and windscreen of a van to take out more than 15 dead bodies. He said: 'It was horrifying to see the bodies in a state of struggle: showing their will to live and yet lost as the waters swallowed them up.'

Emma Loveridge said: 'The decision to go has not been taken lightly or unrealistically. It came from the connections of many offers of help, from colleagues who are experienced in relief and development work, and the request for urgent assistance from Lanka Bible College.'

For the past fourteen years Wind, Sands & Stars has worked with the Bedouin of South Sinai, Egypt, enabling visitors to travel into the interior of the mountains and desert within a structure of sustainability for the land and the local tribes. The company also operates a developmental wing which includes medical and dentistry clinics, irrigation schemes and consultancy work abroad.

Dr Graham Kings, vicar of St Mary's said: 'Emma, Jess and the team are a brave expression of God's love for the poor and destitute. St Mary's prayers and support go with them all.'

If people would like to contribute money for this project, cheques, payable to 'St Mary's World Mission account' may be sent to St Mary's Parish Office, Upper Street, Islington N1 2TX.