It's been almost two weeks since three (now four) Libyan freedom fighters were admitted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough to treat their injuries. They were sent here by the new Libyan government, all expenses paid so as not to disadvantage patients in the hospital (our healthcare is free, but only if you are British or in the EU, as far as I know). My dad has visited them a few times, helping with translation as none of them speak English. You can see photos of them on this:
Facebook page for freedom fighters in Middlesbrough hospital. It's in Arabic, but pretty easy to see the pictures.
One man was telling my dad how he got his injuries. He was hit by a car, then it went over his body, breaking his pelvis. He had to get metal rods put in, which was done in Tunisia, but unfortunately it was a rather botched job and it had to be redone once he got to the hospital here. The freedom fighters will be here a few weeks as they get operations and begin to recover. What they have suffered may be horrific, but I am just glad they are alive, as so many did not survive.
Last week I also did a card for them, a suggestion from someone on Facebook. I gave my thanks to them, for their part in helping make Libya a free country. My dad is going to write in Arabic on it too, so they can read what I wrote. It feels like a privilege to have them here and I hope they all recover well, and are able to go back and see a free Libya inshallah.
Must add a little note, I've started reading Khadija Teri's blog again, it's fantastic having updates from someone right there in Libya! Keep safe inshallah.
