EALING community figures, faith leaders and celebrities, including ex-Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, have joined forces to encourage people to take the COVID-19 vaccines.
In a video put out on Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq’s social media, Mayor of Ealing Abdullah Qulaid and activist Grace Quansah are among those telling viewers why it is so important to take the vaccine.
The video has received more than 24,500 views on Twitter.
The MP said: “I had numerous conversations with everyone, from Matt Hancock to neighbours, where it was flagged there is a degree of vaccine hesitancy in the population.
“I’d heard it said repeatedly that ethnic minorities are the most reluctant. Most recently on an Acton Residents’ Association call, chaired by Cllr Hitesh Tailor, it was stated that it’s young people who are most resistant.”
READ MORE: London mayor visits mobile testing centre in West Ealing
READ MORE: Mass vaccination centre opens in Ealing
She coordinated the effort over four days, assembling filmed clips from participants.
The final product brings together a diverse range of voices, including the video’s true star, 91-year-old Marjorie Dearman of Brunswick Road, Ealing, a childhood neighbour of the Huq sisters.
Mrs Dearman is seen declaring: “I’m 91 and in my lifetime, I’ve seen polio, diphtheria and tetanus all eliminated by the vaccination. If we all take the vaccine, Covid can be too.”
The Rev Nick Jones, of St Mary’s, Acton, appears twice.
The church had been earmarked as a vaccination centre at one stage before other Ealing venues were identified. The latest vaccination centre in Mattock Lane can be viewed in the video.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here