For 80 years, supporters like Celia have shown what faith in action can achieve. Join us as we celebrate their courage and continue the journey together.
Breaking barriers
When Celia joined Christian Aid in 1969, she became one of the first women to travel internationally for the organisation. As Senior Projects Officer, she sought out the most effective projects to support across Africa and Asia.
'There was a bit of resistance to a woman travelling back then,' she remembers, smiling. 'But it was great – I really enjoyed it.'
At the time, Christian Aid was supporting civilians caught in the Nigeria-Biafra War, a conflict that left millions starving. Celia soon found herself managing all of Christian Aid’s programmes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Witnessing crisis up close
Celia’s work often took her to communities facing unimaginable hardship. 'I visited a refugee camp in the Sahel where people were dying,' she recalls. 'The drought was very real. A child came over to me and told me his brother had just died.'
With nothing else to offer, Celia gave the boy her hat. In return, he made her a small wooden box – a gift she treasures to this day.
During her time with Christian Aid, she also flew to Calcutta (now Kolkata) during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, bringing blankets for refugees. Later, she visited countries across Africa hit by devastating drought. 'It was sometimes quite overwhelming,' she admits.
Guided by faith
Celia’s deep faith has always guided her work. After leaving Christian Aid’s staff team, she continued to volunteer, running Christian Aid Week collections for Churches Together in Barnes from her church, St Mary’s, in south-west London.
'I’ve always been keen to tell supporters where their money goes,' she says. 'I think the work Christian Aid does is really important, particularly when we face such a terrible situation in the world.'
Looking back, moving forward
Attending Christian Aid’s 80th anniversary thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey brought back powerful memories.
'I thought of all those who served when I was there, many of whom have died since,' she says. 'The people I have met through Christian Aid supported my faith. It’s been wonderful to relive my time there.'
Celia’s story reminds us that every act of compassion – every gift, every prayer, every moment of solidarity – continues a legacy of faith in action that began 80 years ago.
Thank you, Celia, for your love and commitment.
