LIBERIAN Ellen Heavens is calling on the people of Swindon to show their generosity and help her home country fight an Ebola epidemic which has killed many, including her own friends and family.

The World Health Organisation puts the number of Ebola cases in Liberia this year at 2,046, with deaths standing at 1,224.

Ellen, who left the country 20 years ago for the Netherlands before moving to Swindon, believes the number of deaths from remote areas of the country put the total number much higher.

Ellen is the chairman of Swindon’s African Women’s Support Group and the group is co-ordinating efforts to help to saves lives in West Africa.

“That country has suffered a great deal in the past,” said the 49-year-old, of Oliver Close.

“It has gone to war, to terrible war, in the past. More people have died now with this disease. I have lost a lot of family members and friends.

“I don’t dispute the fact the global community is sending help, but it needs more and it needs to be targeted better.

“People are dying in the street. Everybody is scared to touch or help those who are infected.

“No one has got a vaccine to help themselves. People are staying in their own places and won’t go out to help.

“Despite all these drops being made with aid, why did it take so long?

“I’m trying to do my little bit. The main hospital is two to three miles outside the capital city. Everyone can’t go there, you need something more central where other people can go to.

“Any help, all help, is welcome. We are at the stage where we are in desperate need.”

The support group is requesting an array of medical supplies.

It wants gowns, gloves, hazardous waste bags, face masks, eye shields, plastic shoe covers, aprons, sanitiser, wellington boots, surgical caps, disinfectant, body bags and scrubs.

They also need thermometers, syringes, catheters, needles, rehydration fluids, respirator, scissors, bandages, vitamin C, paracetamol and multi-vitamins.

“It will make a great deal of difference,” said Ellen.

“It will reach other parties that, at the moment, don’t have anything.

“People are dying of hunger as well as Ebola because they are not even being approached with food or nourishment, because people dare not go near them for risk of being infected.”

If anyone can offer any help to Ellen and her group, visit either 30 or 61 Commercial Road between 1pm and 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays, or call 01793 433352 and 01793 978607.