Prayers were said at the weekend for Fife nurse Pauline Cafferkey, who is now in a critical condition with ebola at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
The Rev Gavin Boswell, of the Trinity Church in the family’s home village of Crossgates, said: “We mentioned her in our thoughts and prayers and asked the congregation to take time to think about her and use that time for their own personal prayers.
“I am sure some in our Crossgates congregation will know her and her family.It was a time for their own quiet reflection.”
Father Chris Heenan said prayers were also offered during the 9am Mass at St Margaret’s RC Memorial Church in nearby Dunfermline.
“We are keeping her in our prayers and hope she gets better,” he said.
It was a sentiment echoed in churches and chapels across Fife and Scotland, including her church, St Joseph’s in Blantyre, as the 39-year-old continues her desperate struggle against the deadly ebola virus she contracted while working with Save the Children in Sierra Leone.
Prime Minister David Cameron took to Twitter to say his thoughts and prayers were with the nurse.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also took to social media to say her thoughts are with Pauline and her family “at this extremely difficult time” and to thank all those who are caring for the nurse.
Neighbour Catherine Ponsonby said she heard Pauline’s mum Jean tell her to “be careful” as she left for Africa.
“Every parent will understand what will have been going through her mind at the time,” she said.