About Merve

Hello, I am a PhD researcher in the Department of Psychology at Durham University. My home country, Turkey, and Syria have been devastated by the earthquake. People are in dire need of basic necessities and healthcare, which breaks my heart as a person and a psychologist. I am fundraising with a team of friends for an organisation I trust, Doctors Worldwide, to support the emergency healthcare needs of people affected by these natural disasters.

About Turkish Scholars in the UK

We are a group of Turkish academics and university students living in the UK.

What happened?

In the early hours of 6 February, 7.8 and 7.4 magnitude earthquakes struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria. Search and rescue efforts are being hampered due to snow and bad weather, meaning many injured people are at further risk out in the cold. Homes have been destroyed, hospitals, bridges and roads have been damaged and power is down. With over 40 aftershocks reported, thousands are in urgent need.

Why did we start this campaign?

It is very difficult for us to witness this tragedy from afar and do nothing. So, we're raising money in aid of Doctors Worldwide. Please donate as much as you can as every donation in every amount will help. Show us your solidarity, show us that we’re not alone. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause - which means so much to us.

About Doctors Worldwide

Doctors Worldwide strives to improve the health of communities by working in partnership with international, national, and grassroots organisations. They support locally identified needs through building or rehabilitating health facilities, ensuring essential medical equipment and supplies, delivering training, as well as expert medical advice and guidance on service development. Their work focuses on 3 areas: Health Access (providing access to basic and essential lifesaving healthcare needs), Health Improvement (strengthening existing healthcare systems to deliver better healthcare), and Health Emergencies (enabling local communities to respond to crisis situations).