No one can fail to feel shock and grief at the recent events unfolding in the middle east. So many are facing struggles in the face of huge losses. I have, over the years made friends there, and it is in one family's name that I am reaching out to you all.

My name is Frank Lomas, and my home town is Manchester, U.K. My friend Ebrahim Koraz in Dairal Balah is struggling with daily carpet bombing and hunger. But there is a way forward, if enough money can be found, he can possibly get his family somewhere safe. He needs to get to the border, and with payments required to cross the border, and food, which has gone very expensive, the money I raise will be sent via Western Union to him.

Could you spare a little money to keep that hope alive?