Recent events in Israel and Gaza have both shocked and horrified the St John Eye Hospital Group and broader international community. As a charity that has worked in the region for more than a century, we have one aim: Saving sight, changing lives. Our job is to provide internationally recognised and award-winning eye care services to patients but we know first-hand the damage that the escalating conflict has brought. The people affected are some of the most underprivileged in the world and this war has created an humanitarian crisis, on a scale not previously seen. Amid the hostilities, chaos, and uncertainty the work of our hospitals and clinics in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem remain more vital than ever.

From my visits to many of the Eye Hospital's campuses, I know only too well how great the need for their services already was and the situation now has placed a dedicated team under enormous strain and yet they continue to serve patients without regard to ethnicity, religion or the ability to pay.

Please consider donating at least the cost of a cup of coffee or a pint of beer to this wonderful cause. Thank you.