Sara Pascoe is making a BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of the charity Women & Children First, a charity that works in some of the world’s most rural, remote communities to make pregnancy and childbirth safer. The appeal is being broadcast on Sunday 28th July at 7:54am, at 9:25pm and on Thursday 1st August at 3:27pm.

Every 2 minutes, a woman dies in pregnancy or childbirth from preventable causes.  Women and Children First works with communities around the world, setting up health groups which make pregnancy and childbirth safer. These groups have the power to halve maternal mortality and reduce newborn mortality by a third.

During the appeal, you will hear the story of Rabiya, who lives in a remote village in central Ethiopia. You can find out how what happened to her when she faced complications in labour and how her health group helped save her life.  

All donations up to £10,000 will be trebled by a group of generous supporters – enabling the charity to save even more lives.

Sara Pascoe is well-known for her stand-up comedy, writing and TV appearances, including 'The Great British Sewing Bee', 'Live at the Apollo' and 'Taskmaster'. She says: “I am supporting Women and Children First because I believe that all women, everywhere in the world, should be able to give birth safely. I love how the groups empower women, and give mums-to-be the confidence, knowledge and know-how they need to have a safe pregnancy and birth." 

The appeal is aiming to raise £10,000. Your donations can help set up more lifesaving, life-changing health groups. A £30 donation can enable 6 women to attend their local community health group for 1 year. A £50 donation can train a woman to become a community health group leader, giving her the skills to run meetings and share knowledge about problems in pregnancy.

Beth Silver, Chief Executive of Women and Children First, adds: "We are so grateful for Sara's support of the charity's vital work supporting women around the world. It is unacceptable that women are dying in pregnancy and childbirth from preventable problems and treatable diseases. 

"Our health groups help women to thrive, in happier, healthier communities. Please give in support of the appeal, to empower women and save lives."

To donate, please visit www.wcf-uk.org/radio4.

Picture credit: Michael Redina, Sam Lane Photography