Chris Hunter, a dedicated theatre nurse in her 70s from Grimsby, has garnered attention for her humanitarian efforts in war-torn Gaza. Travelling twice to the region with the Manchester-based charity UK-Med, she participated in the UK Government's humanitarian response, aiming to provide vital medical care amidst an ongoing crisis. Despite her family's concerns for her safety, Hunter remains steadfast in her commitment to assist those in need.
“I know my family would prefer I just put my feet up and started knitting or something – but I’d far rather help stitch up patients who need our help in Gaza,” Hunter remarked, acknowledging her family's worries yet affirming her choice to remain active in her field. She has previously served for 32 years with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps and continues to work at the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, even as she awaits the possibility of further deployments to Gaza or Ukraine.
Hunter's dedication to humanitarian work was recognised when she was awarded a Humanitarian Medal by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for her role in establishing emergency field hospitals in Gaza that have treated over 300,000 patients. King Charles met with Hunter and her granddaughter, Alexis, at Buckingham Palace, during which Hunter expressed her surprise at receiving the medal and noted the King’s interest in the crisis, particularly the challenges posed by high infection rates within the healthcare system in Gaza.
Facing staggering statistics, Hunter reflected on the serious humanitarian situation, with over 50,000 reported fatalities and a large majority of the population displaced from their homes. Her deployment experiences have highlighted the urgent needs on the ground, including dramatic shortages of medical supplies. She recounted distressing cases of young patients, describing an 18-month-old girl who had suffered severe injuries, including the loss of her hand and the death of her parents.
As the humanitarian crisis unfolds, the UK Government has pledged £17 million in funding to support healthcare, food, and shelter efforts within Gaza, contributing to a total of £129 million allocated for humanitarian aid this financial year. UK-Med has also initiated a Middle East Crisis Appeal to bolster its operations.
In light of the relentless nature of her work in Gaza, Hunter stated, "The mass casualty incidents were relentless. No sooner had you got through one lot of patients, there was another load of ambulances. It was continuous. It was like a conveyor belt of carnage." She noted that external conditions, like the sounds of nearby explosions, became part of the backdrop of her daily duties, a reality she has adapted to over her years of service in various conflict zones including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the significance of veteran volunteers like Hunter, stating, “This new medal recognises the incredible dedication and selfless service of individuals on the frontline of the UK’s responses to some of the world’s most devastating crises.” As discussions about further aid into Gaza continue, Hunter remains resolute, not planning to slow down her humanitarian efforts. “I’m trying to make the most of being fit and healthy,” she said, underscoring her commitment to service in the face of profound challenges.
Source: Noah Wire Services