Letter: Appeal for Used Walking Aids for Gazan Casualties

Published on: 6 Sep, 2024
Updated on: 6 Sep, 2024

A Gazan woman using crutches

From Keith Childs

Hon Alderman

An enthusiastic member of Guildford u3a, Barbara Dewick, sadly died early this month. She had lived for some time in Jordan and was a member of the Anglo Jordanian Society.

Although she was extremely ill she was doing as much as she could to promote an idea of hers and she kept this up right until the very end of her life. The idea is that many people make temporary use of crutches or walking sticks when they have an injury to a leg, and have no use of them once they have recovered.

Barbara’s plan was to collect these redundant items and then to send them to Gaza for use by amputees or those who have leg injuries. This scheme is being pursued by her daughter and son with help from others.

Anyone who has a walking aid to contribute is invited to take them to a collection point and three of these have been arranged. There is one at Burpham Village Hall on Tuesday, September 17, between 12.30 and 4.30pm. The other is at St John’s Hall, Merrow on Tuesday, September 10, at 12.30 to 4.30pm. All donations will be very gratefully received.

Responses to Letter: Appeal for Used Walking Aids for Gazan Casualties

Anthony Mallard Reply

September 6, 2024 at 5:34 pm

I was at Slyfield tip last week and there were dozens of arm crutches and other walking aids opposite the large skips near the end on the left hand side. I was surprised that the NHS didn’t appear to want them so maybe GBC would be willing to donate them for this good cause.
- Keith Childs Reply
  
  September 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm
  
  Thank you Anthony. I will call in there on Thursday. So far we have approx 130 items.
  
  I hope you are well.
Olly Azad Reply

September 6, 2024 at 8:33 pm

A fabulous initiative for which Barbara Dewick will be remembered by I am sure. For the Gazan amputees or those affected by shrapnel wounds having crutches and walking sticks made readily available for them would be a huge uplift.

I can ask around among friends and family whether they are in possession of walking aids that are no longer a requirement.

The various locations coupled with the days and times to hand in any donations is useful to know. Thank you.