Blackpool's medical experts help victims of Syria conflict

5 physios and 1 occupational therapist is flying out to Turkey for a week

A TEAM of physios and occupational therapists from Blackpool will be travelling to Turkey shortly to help victims of the conflict in Syria.

Five physios and an occupational therapist have volunteered their time to make the journey to use their skills in rehab centres established in southern Turkey to help people injured in the current conflict.

The visit has been arranged by Mr Mounir Hakimi, a Syrian doctor at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, who helped establish a charity called Syria Relief last year to help his fellow countrymen.

The party is only going for a week but Mr Hakimi said the support of the physios would be invaluable.

He said: "There are a lot of people who have been treated for their injuries but there is a need for them to be supported after their treatment has ended.

"There is a shortage of expert physio support and this visit will help people who have been injured and help them with their recovery. All the staff have given their time freely and I am very grateful for their support.’’

One of the physios making the journey, Suzanne Lane, says she hopes they can make a difference.

She said: "We hope to be able to see as many people as possible when we are out there and give as much support as we can.

"It will be a valuable experience for us all to use our skills in emergency situations and I am sure we will all learn something from the trip.’’

Syria Relief was established in September 2011 to help co-ordinate help and support to Syrian families and individuals in need. In just over a year it has raised more than £1 million.

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