<p>I last had a hair cut in June 2007.&nbsp; I decided at that point not to cut my hair until I'd started ministry training.&nbsp; I had no idea it would take this long!!</p> <p>I could just cut it off but that would be too simple.&nbsp; So the hair stays until I raise &pound;500 for Medical Aid for Palestinians.&nbsp; MAP works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.</p> <p>The blockade of Gaza continues and it is costing lives.&nbsp; People who need urgent medical attention are denied it because facilties in Gaza are so basic and they need a permit to cross into Israel or Egypt.</p> <p>We've made good use of hospitals with our children, getting amazing (and at times lifesaving) treatment straight away.&nbsp; It would be a very different story if we lived in Gaza.&nbsp;</p> <p>Two-year-old Nasma was diagnosed with leukaemia.&nbsp; Her doctor in Gaza referred her for urgent medical treatment to the Ha-Emek Medical Center in Afula, Israel. Nasma's family applied for a permit to leave the territory but the Israeli army ignored the request until pressure was applied by the human rights organisations B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights - Israel (PHRI). By then, Nasma was too weak to be moved - this little girl was just 95 miles away from life-saving medical treatment when she died.</p> <p>While Gaza's desperately sick patients are forced to wait for treatment, MAP is working with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights to help tackle a referrals process that is costing lives. MAP is also investing in Gaza's healthcare system by supplying the drugs and essential medical equipment the territory's patients urgently need.</p> <p>Please sponsor me as much as you can afford to help alleviate this unnecessary suffering.&nbsp; Make sure I lose my hair before any more lives are lost.</p> <p>Thanks</p> <p>David</p>