Solihull charity helps the fight against Ebola - The Solihull Observer

Solihull charity helps the fight against Ebola

Solihull Editorial 29th Dec, 2014 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

VITAL supplies are being handed out across Sierra Leone to help support the fight against the deadly Ebola virus thanks to Troop Aid.

The Solihull-based charity has been handing out Grab Bags of emergency kit across the country which has seen more than 2,000 people die since the outbreak last year.

A person infected with Ebola virus will typically develop a fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, a sore throat, and intense muscle weakness.

These symptoms start suddenly, between two and 21 days after becoming infected.




People can become infected with the Ebola virus if they come into contact with the blood, body fluids or organs of an infected person.

Most people are infected by giving care to other infected people, either by directly touching the victim’s body or by cleaning up body fluids that carry infectious blood.


They have also been sent out to troops on exercise in Kenya and also serving in Mali as part of an ongoing European Union training mission to maintain security and the long term stability of the West African Country.

Troop Aid founder Al Sutton said the bags of kit specifically designed for use by British Forces personnel who were wounded or injured during active service or on training exercises were now being sent out all around the world.

Destinations also included Iraq and Afghanistan where UK troops were still engaged in support and training roles and also Cyprus and Germany.

Troop Aid was founded when ex Solihull servicemen Al, Derek Joss and friends discovered that soldiers wounded or injured in war zones or training accidents often had no personal kit when they were flown into Birmingham for emergency treatment.

It was thought that demand for their bags would decline following the British handover to Afghanistan forces but Al said the opposite had actually happened.

The charity’s key role is to supply troops recovering at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with basic supplies through a specially created ‘Troop Aid grab bag’ containing clothing, footwear, shaving and washing kits, confectionary, videos and books and a mobile phone for injured the troops to contact their loved ones.

But it also sends the grab bags out to injured troops – British and allied – across the world.

Troop Aid – and its supporters and fundraisers – have raised over £2million since its inception.

This money has also seen a Troop Aid family room at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where injured soldiers can relax and recuperate and enjoy family visits.

For more or to get involved or send a donation visit www.troopaid.info or call 0121 711 7215.

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