18th Humanitarian Mission: Fundraising hero, Nazim Ali, delivers lifeline to Palestinian refugees in Egypt

Bradford community champion, Nazim Ali, has returned from his 18th humanitarian mission, helping deliver vital aid to displaced Palestinian families in Egypt.

Between 27–31 August, Nazim travelled with a 15-strong UK team to Cairo and Giza as part of a deployment organised by Watford-based Hayaat Welfare Trust.

Working in 35-degree heat, the volunteers distributed more than a thousand food parcels and hygiene packs, alongside cash assistance and vouchers for children who have fled Gaza since the war escalated in October 2023.

Collectively the UK team raised £94,615, with Nazim contributing £15,001 of that total.

“My initial target was £10,000 but thanks to the generosity of donors in Bradford and beyond, I was able to exceed that,” he said.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 Palestinians have sought refuge in Egypt since the outbreak of the conflict last year. Many are now living on the economic margins, without formal refugee status, which restricts their access to healthcare and state welfare.

Volunteers described visiting families caring for cancer patients unable to afford treatment, as well as survivors with war-related injuries and psychological trauma.

“We met people who had lost limbs, children left disfigured, and families who spoke of entire households being wiped out in Gaza,” Nazim recalled.

“It was profoundly upsetting to hear first-hand testimonies, but the smiles and words of gratitude reminded us that our efforts had touched lives.”

While short-term relief provides vital support, aid workers warn that the structural challenges facing Palestinians in Egypt remain severe. Many refugees struggle with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and lack of access to diagnostic services or surgeries.

Nazim, a familiar face in Bradford’s civic and community life, has raised over £1.2m for humanitarian causes during the past decade. He was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King’s New Year Honours 2025 and last year received an honorary fellowship from the University of Bradford for almost three decades of charitable work.

He paid tribute to local businesses for their ongoing support, as well as his charity partners at Hayaat Welfare Trust. “We cannot change the world, but we can provide relief and show we care,” he said.

“Every donation goes directly to those in need, and every smile we see belongs to the donors who make this possible.”