A NURSE from the West of Scotland travelled to the war-torn Gaza Strip to help Palestinian patients affected by cancer.

Gerry O'Hare, who works at the Vale of Leven hospital, volunteered with the charity Medical Aid for Palestine and was joined by other UK colleagues including a surgeon, oncologist and plastic surgeon.

He said: “I spent my time in Gaza city, working with cancer specialists in the Al-Shifa hospital there.

“We are all aware that we are powerless to do anything to change the situation they find themselves in relation to access to drugs but we can advise them on how to use what they have more effectively.

The breast cancer support initiative supported by Medical Aid for Palestine and World Health Organization will last for three years and Gerry has been asked to visit each year to provide support and advice.