Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Since the terror attacks on Oct 7th, I have been horrified by the ongoing situation in the Middle East and I am sure you will all feel the same. Since then, there are so many horror stories, images & videos (of mostly innocent civilians & children) being killed by Israeli bombs & tanks. The situation there for civilians, hostages & their families just appears to be pure hell.

In many other conflicts, like Ukraine, civilian families can flee for their safety. The Gaza Strip, at just 25 miles long, is one of the most densely populated areas on earth. It is surrounded by concrete walls & barbed wire fences, there is also a blockade on access/exit via the sea. Unlike Ukraine, there is nowhere safe for civilians to go, they cannot escape.

None of us want to see this incredible human suffering continue. Unfortunately however, I do not feel our government are doing enough to help put an end to it.

I have been so disappointed and ashamed at most of our politicians' words & actions on this subject. I look forward to having my say at the ballot box on Thursday.

In the mean time, the people of Gaza desperately need help. They need food, water, shelter & medicine. Heal Palestine is a non profit, humanitarian aid charity in Gaza that helps deliver healthcare, aid & education.

Along with 3 of my friends (Paul Ruddy, James Fokinther, Nial Balloch), we are doing a 'Pedal, Paddle, Peak' challenge in the Lake District this weekend. This involves a 30-mile cycle, a 2-mile row across Ullswater lake & a 3,115ft climb up the second highest peak in England, Helvellyn mountain, all on the same day.

No doubt like many of you, we feel completely helpless in regards to the situation in Gaza.

It's a tough challenge we are taking on and we are doing it to raise as much as we can for this vital charity. If you can, we would really appreciate any donation you are able to make.

Thank you for reading,

Joe

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, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.