Scot starts Red Cross fundraiser after family hurt in Beirut blast

An Edinburgh fitness instructor is raising funds for the Lebanese Red Cross after her husband’s family were injured in the devastating explosion in Beirut.

At least 137 people died and about 5,000 others have been hurt after the blast on Tuesday.

Emma Hokayem, whose husband Dany is from Lebanon, started the Go Fund Me drive because she said she felt so helpless.

With her in-laws still living in Beirut, Mrs Hokayem knew she wanted to do something to help the community.

She told PA news agency: “I felt a little bit helpless until we came up with the idea to start fundraising.

“I know there is a lot of people who wanted to help, but if people don’t really know where to donate, then generally you don’t. Starting this gave us a purpose within this horrible time.”

Her husband’s family live half a mile from the port where the explosion took place and have suffered injuries.

Her father-in-law had his ear sliced by glass while her mother-in-law’s arm was broken by being thrown across the room.

Mrs Hokayem said: “They’re in complete shock over what happened. Dany’s dad phoned him and said he’s been through a lot, but has never seen anything like this.”

However, Mrs Hokayem said she was comforted that the community is rallying around, both in Scotland and in Beirut.

She said: “I’ve been completely overwhelmed by the support I’ve had over the fundraiser. You see on TV and you know what’s happened but you see it on TV and you don’t really think about it.”

Visit gofundme.com/f/hqbtj-helpinglebanon

Picture: AP. A woman throws flowers over Lebanese army soldiers who carry the coffin of Lieutenant Ayman Noureddine, who was killed by Tuesday’s explosion.