YMCA Bournemouth is supporting a campaign to provide walking aids for Gaza amputees.

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 10,000 people reportedly have had limb amputations, half of them children, YMCA Bournemouth is backing a national drive to secure mobility aids.

The Anglo-Jordanian Society (AJS), a UK-based charity fostering ties between the UK and Jordan, has initiated the 'Crutches for Kindness' campaign.

The campaign asks the British public to donate their unused crutches and other walking aids that the NHS does not take back.

These aids will then be donated to amputees in Gaza.

HRH Princess Sarvath, a founder and joint patron of the AJS, said: "Watching the tragedy unfold in Gaza, where amongst the many displaced and injured, are thousands of amputees, I was reminded that many homes in the UK probably have some perfectly serviceable crutches used just once, but then put away and forgotten.

"These can well be reused by those unfortunate, many of whom are being rehabilitated in Jordan.

"This would be a simple way to provide some much-needed support.

"If the idea of Kindness Through Crutches succeeds, it will be but a drop in the ocean of what is needed, but every little thing counts, and I am enormously grateful to everyone who has supported the idea."

This campaign is being made possible by DS Freight, who will collect and deliver donated walking aids, and Royal Jordanian Airlines, who will transport the donations to Jordan.

From there, they will be sent to Gaza via The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation.

They will be distributed in hospitals and clinics across Gaza.

Gareth Sherwood, CEO of YMCA Bournemouth, said: "This is a simple humanitarian need, 10,000 of our human family need help.

"We have the means to help with a simple donation that is often sitting gathering dust in our homes and with the AJS and College of Medicine, we have created the means to get the donations where it is needed."

Until August 9, 2024, residents can drop their donations at local YMCA locations, including The Junction, Bayside Fitness Club, and Delta House Hostel.

For further information, Gareth Sherwood can be contacted at gareth.sherwood@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.