FAMILIES, charities and businesses from Bradford are raising money for people in Yemen, who are facing what is described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

It is estimated that 24 million people - 80 per cent of Yemen’s population - are in need of humanitarian assistance, with this number including over 12 million children.

Yemen has been in a civil war since 2015. A Saudi Arabian-led blockade of the country has caused a shortage of food, while many lack access to clean water - leading to cholera outbreaks - in a situation only made worse by coronavirus.

Only half of the country’s health facilities are thought to be fully functioning, with many being destroyed in airstrikes.

Many of the hospitals which have remained open lack access to PPE, and there are only a few hundred ventilators for Yemen's population of nearly 30 million.

On Tuesday, it was also announced that the UK is to resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia, causing further concern over the country's involvement in the conflict.

There has been controversy over the UK's role in Yemen's civil war, with many criticising its support for Saudi Arabia.

Shipley-based charity, Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire (JOY), has already sent three containers of aid to Yemen, with the most recent in January, and is preparing a fourth.

Dr Kathy Tedd, of JOY, said: “The situation in Yemen is appalling. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, hospitals have been obliterated, and coronavirus is making it worse. It’s hard for them to keep going when there is so, so little.

"JOY has helped with disasters across the world, but this is the worst one I’ve ever seen.

“We’re sending wheelchairs, artificial limbs, PPE, medical supplies and water filters, kindly donated by Aquabox.

“JOY knew someone in Yemen, who played football, but lost both of his legs after stepping on a mine. It ruined his life. We sent him artificial limbs and he said it was the best gift he’d ever received. It’s so little that we can all do, which helps so much.

“We would love people to get in touch and help - they can contact us on 07751 303210, 01274 531999 or at kathy@joyworld.org.uk.”

A 17-year-old girl from Bradford is also trying to help the people of Yemen, by setting up a JustGiving page, which has reached 34 per cent of its target so far.

Saher Nadeem and her family are walking 30km, over three days, in conjunction with Bradford-based charity Astana Aliya Naqeebiya.

She said: “We’re hoping to raise money for the charity, which will go towards food parcels and other essentials.

"Not many people know what’s happening in Yemen, as media coverage is limited, but this is our opportuniy to help.

"It's not just the bombings and the war itself, it's also the disease and the starvation, especially with coronavirus, which is making things a whole lot worse.

"If we don't do anything now, Yemen may cease to exist."

Saher’s JustGiving page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/saher-nadeem-naqeebiya?utm_term=rQMYBdKrp.

Businesses in the city are also hoping to raise money, with Adil, of Vogue Lounge, explaining how a charity bike ride from its Leeds Road site, all the way to Manchester, will take place on Sunday.

He said: “Myself and my wife, Jam, are from Vogue Lounge. We came together with Shaban and Sal, from Spuddy’s, and Omar Shafiq, from Desi Bike Life, to raise money for Yemen.

“It's on behalf of Muslims in Need, a 100 per cent donation charity, run by volunteers.

"In two weeks, we’ve raised £14,000 for Yemen, and we want to raise more.

"It will be well-managed. We'll be taking breaks, and we will be keeping socially distanced when we do. 

“Yemen looks like it’s on its way to extinction. People are suffering, there's a massacre going on and a shortage of food, too.

"The problem is huge, but every little helps. As a nation, we should all come together and set up more fundraisers and donations.

"If anyone wants us to join us on Sunday, they’re welcome to - we’re meeting at Vogue Lounge at 12 noon.”