Gazan boy, 15, given hero's welcome as he arrives in UK for urgent medical treatment
Majd Alshagnobi arrived at London's Heathrow Airport with his mother and two siblings to a hero's welcome on Wednesday evening, with well-wishers bearing flowers, gifts, and banners.
It has been a tortuous wait for the teenager, who suffered severe facial injuries in February 2024 when Israeli tank shells exploded near him and a group of friends.
Majd lost part of his face as well as his entire jaw and all his teeth. It has left him and his family traumatised.
His mother, Islam, told me that doctors at the Mamadani hospital in Gaza were shocked that her son survived the incident.
"When Majd first got to the hospital, they thought he was dead because of the severities of the injuries on his face and leg," she said. "But when he raised his arm, they realised he was still alive.
"All the operating rooms were busy, so they carried out the operation in the kitchen to save him.
"It was very difficult for him to breathe, and they had to feed him through tubes and syringes through his nose. He really suffered."
2:56
Majd stood awestruck at the window of the small central London apartment where his family had been accommodated. He wore a blue surgical mask but gently pulled it down to reveal a smile.
"Thank God I have the opportunity to receive treatment here… that's the reason I have come. To get treatment," he said. "Since I arrived, I have felt so much happier.
"We've been greeted in such a nice way, with gifts and things to help us."
But it will take time for the young football fan to come to terms with the trauma he has suffered.
When I ask him what he remembers from his time in Gaza, he replies: "I saw dogs eating bodies and I was terrified, and I thought I was going to die. Stuff like that…"
His mother, who has had to leave two of her children in Gaza with their father, tells me: "Right now my family in Gaza live in tents. We've lost our home, we've lost our memories, we've lost our dreams. Nothing is left in Gaza.
"My two children who are still in Gaza with their father, every day I wake up in fear that they have been killed. Anything could happen to them in Gaza."
Around 5,000 children have been evacuated from Gaza, with the majority going to Egypt and Gulf countries.
Majd is the third child to come to the UK with the help of the charity Project Pure Hope.
The group of volunteers have been campaigning successive governments for the last 20 months to create a scheme which would allow for the evacuation of 30 to 50 children.
The charity has raised the money to bring the children and their families to the UK, and cover their medical costs, privately.
Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government was "accelerating efforts" to evacuate Gazan children who need urgent medical care in the UK.
Omar Din, the co-founder of Project Pure Hope, says it is time for the government to step in and take responsibility.
"We're hoping following the prime minister's announcement last Friday, that in the coming days we'll have some concrete actions," he said. "The more we wait, the more children die who we could be saving.
"We've done this privately because there was no other option available but myself, and members of my founding team, have done lots of this work for Ukrainian refugees previously. There's no reason we shouldn't be doing that for Gazans."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Our Austin, 13, complained of leg cramps after sports camp – hours later we were kissing him goodbye as he lay in a coma
HEARTBROKEN parents kissed their 13-year-old boy goodbye as he lay in a coma, just hours after he complained of a "leg cramp" from sports camp. Austin Hunter, from Rusper, West Sussex, mentioned he had sore legs last June, after he finished a series of sports camps. 11 11 11 Parents Warwick, 44, and Holly, 45, initially thought the pain was just due to overexertion. But then Austin's heartrate skyrocketed to 120bpm and his fingertips turned blue - they called 111 and were told to rush him to A&E. Austin was admitted to East Surrey Hospital at 6pm and by 10pm his parents were told he may not make it. Warwick and Holly were forced to say goodbye to their son, then 12, as he was placed into an induced coma and rushed to Evelina London Children's Hospital. Warwick, a chartered surveyor, said: "It was the unimaginable. I really thought we had lost him. "I kissed his forehead goodbye - as did his mum. And I just sat in that waiting room thinking about how we'd break the news to his sister. "I just couldn't believe the speed of it. At 6pm, Austin had walked into A&E by himself. By 10pm, we were kissing him goodbye." Austin was diagnosed with a serious complication of a Strep A infection - where bacteria had made its way into his bloodstream. This led to sepsis and multiple organ failure, with both his liver and kidneys shutting down. Doctors said it would likely be too much for his heart to handle, but Austin, still in a coma, kept fighting and eventually stabilised. I thought I had a winter cold then I woke from a coma about to lose my legs A slow road to recovery began, during which time Austin underwent multiple surgeries as part of attempts to save his limbs. But his left leg, which had turned black, could not be saved - and it was amputated in August. In December, Austin underwent another operation in the hopes of saving his right leg. However, he was still in severe pain after, and was told his chances of being able to run on his foot were slim. 11 11 11 Austin, a keen sportsman, had to consider what he wanted out of life - and decided he would rather become a double amputee if it meant he could play sports again. Now, Austin has been fitted with prosthetic limbs - and is trying his hand at everything. He has tried rock climbing, wheelchair tennis, wheelchair golf, and is even being trained by former Paralympian Rachel Morris, who won a gold medal for rowing in 2016. Warwick said: "When asked to name one of their heroes, I don't think many dads would name their son, but I genuinely do. Austin's approach to life is just unbelievable. "I think that lots of people, if in his position, would be really down in the dumps, but he just wants to push forward. "His mental fortitude has been incredible. He never says he can't or won't do something - he always says he'll try. "He's an inspiration." 'Incredibly frightening' Warwick said one of the most shocking things about Austin's illness was the speed with which he deteriorated. This has pushed the family to share his story to raise awareness for sepsis - and get people talking about symptoms and treatment. He said: "Austin started to complain of leg cramps - which hopped around from his left calf, to his right thigh, to his left knee, to his right calf. "It wasn't that consistent, but when it was there, he was in a lot of discomfort and pain. "He then started feeling tired and lethargic, and it got to the point where he was completely wiped out, just in bed. "We took him to the GP and were told he needed to rest and stay hydrated. "But we realised it was a lot more serious than that when his resting heartrate got to 120bpm and his fingertips and ears started turning blue. "He walked into hospital himself but soon after was hooked up to various wires and monitors. I had accepted that we were going to lose him. I knew that June 19 would be the date we'd remember forever. But suddenly it was June 20 and he was upstairs and he was still fighting Warwick Hunter "He turned very pale and started to sweat profusely. "It was incredibly frightening but Austin was still relatively calm and was even making jokes with the staff. "But then his heartrate reached 180bpm and doctors said they had to put him into a coma to stabilise him. "They said it was unlikely he would make it - and that we should say goodbye." A terrifying night ensued but by 6am Warwick and Holly were told Austin was no longer "at immediate risk of death". They both tried to get a short bout of sleep, and when Warwick woke up, he felt as if he'd been in a "nightmare". Group A Streptococcus (GAS) – is also known as Streptococcus pyogenes - and is a bacteria that can cause mild illnesses like sore throats and skin infections, including tonsillitis cellulitis, impetigo and scarlet fever. In rare cases, the bacteria can trigger the life-threatening illness, invasive group A Strep disease. Guidance from the NHS states that there are four key signs of invasive disease: fever (a high temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) severe muscle aches localised muscle tenderness redness at the site of a wound Invasive disease happens when the bacteria break through the body's immune defences. It can happen if you're already ill or have a weakened immune system. Two of the most severe examples of invasive disease are necrotising fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. You're at increased risk of Group Strep A invasive disease if you: are in close contact with someone who has the disease are over the age of 65 are diabetic, have heart disease or cancer have recently had chickenpox have HIV use some steroids or intravenous drugs, according to the NHS. Group Strep A bacteria can also cause scarlet fever, which can be serious if it's not treated with antibiotics. He said: "I felt like I'd had the most vivid nightmare imaginable. "But bizarrely, I was also hit with this moment of euphoria. "The day before, I had accepted that we were going to lose him. I knew that June 19 would be the date we'd remember forever. "But suddenly it was June 20 and he was upstairs and he was still fighting. "So I just thought: 'You can't panic. You can't be distraught.' "Instead, you need to go upstairs and see him and help him through his journey. "Together we can see what's achievable." Incredible strength Austin spent three months in the Evelina's ICU, a month in the critical care unit, and then another three months on a ward. In August, it was decided his left leg had to be amputated - as it had deteriorated too far and risked poisoning the rest of his body. Warwick said: "What was incredible about that situation was that Austin immediately thought, 'This needs to go.' "He took the approach that it was no longer his foot - and instead something on his body that was poisoning him. "Holly and I knew we had to tell his sister, Georgina, but Austin turned around and said, 'I'll tell her. Then she'll understand that I'm okay with it.' "It was just so thoughtful. He was dealing with a hell of a lot and he still considered others. "Watching your then 12-year-old son tell your then 10-year-old daughter he was going to lose his leg with such emotional intelligence was just incredible." It was hoped that Austin's other leg would be saved but his recovery proved challenging. He ultimately decided to become an elective double amputee - at the age of 13. What are the symptoms of sepsis? SEPSIS is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that happens when your immune system overreacts and starts to damage your body's own tissues and organs. Symptoms of sepsis in an adult include: Acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast Symptoms in a child include: Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis Difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their stomach sucking under their ribcage), breathlessness or breathing very fast A weak, high-pitched cry that's not like their normal cry Not responding like they normally do, or not interested in feeding or normal activities Being sleepier than normal or having difficulty waking They may not have all these symptoms. If you think you or someone else has symptoms of sepsis, call 999 or go to A&E. Warwick said: "His leg was still incredibly painful and the chances of success in terms of being able to run and jump were minimal. "It got to the point where the doctors said: 'We can save your foot but you'll have to walk with a stick.' "And I think his love of sports just took over. He had to think about what he wanted out of life and he thought he'd rather sacrifice his foot and become a double amputee - and see what's achievable. "While he was in hospital he had been watching the Paralympics and that was a huge inspiration. He had this idea of what his life could look like. "And when I asked him how he felt, he said the second amputation was a lot easier mentally. Because it was his choice." Since Austin's diagnosis, he and his family have been working with Sepsis Trust UK to raise awareness for the condition. They have also been fundraising for the charities who helped and supported Austin via a GoFundMe - and recently handed over a £50,000 cheque to Evelina Hospital. Dr Ron Daniels, Founder and Chief Medical Officer at the UK Sepsis Trust, said: "Sepsis is indiscriminate: it primarily affects very young children and older adults, and is also more common in people with underlying health conditions. "But it can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy, like Austin. "Austin's resilience and positive outlook is truly inspiring, and we're hugely grateful for his commitment to raising awareness of this life-changing condition." You can donate to Austin's GoFundMe here. Learn more about symptoms of sepsis and how to get help here. 11 11
The Sun
5 minutes ago
- The Sun
Upgrade your dog's health with Pure Pet Food and save 40% off your first order
IF you are a devoted dog owner who wants to upgrade your four-legged friend's health, look no further than Pure Pet Food. Pure Pet Food's range of nutritious dog food is made with natural ingredients and no nasties or filler products, and right now you can save 40% off your first order. Save 40% off the first box + 15% off the next two boxes BUY HERE Dog owners are more conscious than ever about what food to feed their pets, indicated by a rise in online searches around choosing hypoallergenic pet food and options for sensitive stomachs. That's where Pure Pet Food takes the stress out of those decisions with its monthly dog food subscription, delivered to your doorstep. Recipes are packed with superfoods and essential nutrients designed to help your pup live a longer, healthier, and happier life. You can get 40% off your first box and 15% off your next two when you sign up through this link before 11:59 pm on 30 September. Once you sign up for a subscription, it's commitment-free, and you can cancel at any time. Pure Pet Food creates tailored dog food plans designed by pet nutrition experts to support everything from sensitive stomachs to kidney health. Meals use real food and range from dishes like turkey with broccoli and spinach, to salmon with sweet strawberries and courgette. These nutritious Pure Pet Food meals are dehydrated to lock in all the nutrients while making it easy for sensitive tummies to digest. All you need to do is add a splash of water and stir it. It's essentially restaurant-level dining for your dog, tailored to their age, weight, and any special dietary needs they may have. Pet owners have been praising the meal service online, with one happy pet owner sharing, "My dog usually has a super sensitive stomach, but since switching to Pure, it has gotten so much better!" Another revealed: "We have a fussy, almost 2-year-old GSD. "Researched a ton about the right food for him, found Pure and thought, let's give it a try! "He bloody loves it — breakfast and dinner are now his favourite parts of the day." Another said: "You have given our 12-year-old American Bulldog a whole new lease of life. "Her energy levels have risen, and you can tell she is feeling better in herself.
Daily Mail
35 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Would YOU pay £250 for placenta pills? As Calvin Harris' wife Vick Hope reveals she's taking them after the birth of their son, experts give their verdict
Vick Hope has announced that she will eat her own capsulated placenta following the birth of her son Micha. Eating the placenta after birth is not an entirely foreign concept, with many claiming it can boost energy levels, aid milk production and even slash post-natal depression. But experts have previously sounded the alarm over the trend, and suggested there are no known health benefits to the mother—and even some risks. The trend has gained popularity in recent years, after Kim Kardashian and Millie Mackintosh, former Made In Chelsea star, have opened up about eating the organ, which forms during pregnancy, acting as the baby's lifeline while in the uterus. No one doubts that the placenta keeps a foetus healthy, delivering key nutrients to the baby via the umbilical cord. But a growing body of research suggests that eating it—either raw, cooked or in pill form—could be at best pointless, and even harmful. Placentophagy is the practice of eating the placenta. In the UK, mothers are usually permitted to take their placenta home if their intentions are made clear to the midwife before birth. He included a photo of Vick's placenta, which was dehydrated before being turned into supplements Routinely, the placenta and umbilical cord are stored by the hospital for 48 hours after birth so in the event that a baby becomes unwell, the organ can be sent for testing—in which case it is no longer safe to eat. Advice is given on how to look after the placenta at home safely—in a freezer—to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination. Placenta encapsulation, however, involves grinding the placenta down in its raw state, or after it has been dehydrated, costing around £250. The capsules are usually favorless and odorless. The mother then takes the placenta tablets like supplements following the birth of their child. But, speaking to the Daily Mail, health experts have criticised celebrities for promoting the practice—for which there is very little affirming research. Dr Ellie Cannon, a GP specialising in paediatric health, said: 'No healthcare professional with any integrity would endorse these pills. 'There is no scientific basis for any benefit whatsoever, physical or mental.' She continued: 'But also, when high profile people say they can do things like alleviate postpartum depression, it's dangerous. 'There's a real risk that the public will choose to take this unproven, pseudoscientific treatment rather than seek medical help.' Meanwhile, Dr Ashfaq Khan, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist said there are 'no scientific studies' that suggest consuming a placenta boasts any health benefits. This view is echoed in several review papers published in medical journals. A 2018 study found that women who were given placebo capsules or placental pills experienced no significant changes in mood, energy levels or the emotional bond with their newborn baby. One study that evaluated the amount of hormones in the placenta could potentially reach a level of physiological impact if ingested. However, once the placenta is handled, dehydrated and packaged into a pill, it is unclear if the hormones are biologically present anymore. Nevada-based researchers also found that eating the placenta after birth offers no benefit to new mothers, highlighting that consuming placenta pills is not a sufficient source of iron. Dr Sharon Young, lead author of the study said: 'While the study doesn't provide firm support for or against the claims about the benefits of placentophagy, it does shed light on this much debated topic. 'What we have uncovered are interesting areas for future exploration, such as small impacts on hormone levels for women taking placenta capsules, and small improvements in mood and fatigue in the placenta group.' In 2017, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning against the practice after a baby was diagnosed with a strep infection after his mother consumed placenta pills. The infection - which kills one baby a week in the UK - was transferred to the baby through breast milk when the mother took placental capsules. In a shocking report the corona said: 'That's the case that still haunts everyone in the industry.'
