One of our dentists from our Llangefni practice in Wales is preparing to become one of only a small number of British dentists to deliver emergency aid to refugees in one of the hardest hit areas in Greece this Christmas.
Subiyya Alam-Sabah and her older sister who is also a doctor, Sorayya Alam, will both travel to Lesvos in Greece on 7th December as emergency volunteers for Salaam Cultural Museum’s medical mission to the country.
The sisters decided to volunteer their medical support to the campaign after being moved by seeing news reports on the critical situation in Greece.
Subiyya said: “When we saw the reports about the refugee crisis in Europe we couldn’t help but want to lend our support. We wanted to do more than fundraise, instead we wanted to see if we could volunteer our medical skills too.
“I stumbled upon the Salaam Cultural Museum’s medical appeal for volunteers to provide aid in the run up to Christmas and we didn’t have to think twice about applying. A couple of weeks later our applications were accepted and our dates for travel confirmed.
“We’re both hesitant to go and anxious of what challenges we’ll face, but we’re determined to do all we can for people who desperately need not only medical help, but also humanitarian aid and compassion.”
Salaam Cultural Museum’s medical mission volunteers.
In addition to volunteering and self-funding their trip, the sisters have also been fundraising for the appeal. Having set an ambitious target of £2,000 they’ve increased the figure twice over thanks to the generosity of their family, friends and colleagues and now expect to be able to donate £3,000 before they leave for Greece.
Subiyya adds: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received and incredibly grateful for every donation. All of the money we raise will go to the aid appeal so the refugees get the support they need to rebuild their lives.”
We couldn’t be prouder and wish Subiyya and Sorayya a safe and successful trip!
If you would like to donate to the Salaam Cultural Museum’s medical mission, please visit www.salaamculturalmuseum.wordpress.com/donations/