I'm Lauren, and I lived in Lebanon in 2016. I'm organising an urgent fundraiser for my friend Attar's new baby. Attar and his wife Aya are Palestinian refugees in Lebanon whose home has been destroyed by Israeli bombing.

I got to know Attar through the cycling community in Lebanon. He's a crazy strong cyclist - he took me on loads of bike adventures round Lebanon and looked after my Mum when she visited. We've stayed in touch and I was super happy to hear he'd got married.

On 3rd March Israel bombed Saida, where Attar and Aya were living in a Palestinian refugee camp. Aya was 4 months pregnant. Their home and everything they owned was destroyed. They fled to North Lebanon, but as Israel continued to bomb they fled to Turkey. They have been displaced for nearly 3 months, and struggling to get food, resulting in Aya becoming severely anaemic.

Aya had their baby, Jihad, on 3/6/26 - delivered 2 months early by C section in Marmaris State Hospital. She was advised by doctors in Turkey that she was so unwell that there was extreme risk to her and the baby if she carried the pregnancy to term. It has been impossible for Attar to earn money in Turkey as he does not have the right to work. Jihad will need to be in an incubator for at least 2 months, costing €120 per day. I have managed to fundraise enough for the first 2 weeks, and am urgently trying to raise money to help cover medical costs for a further 6 weeks, plus a bit extra to help them get essentials for the new baby. Attar is terrified he's going to lose his baby if they can't get the money together.

Any help massively appreciated. Photo above is baby Jihad in his incubator, born on 3rd June.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, I will withdraw funds and send directly to the family. It's the most efficient way to donate and saves time and costs.