Boxer Amir Khan and Wakefield charity Penny Appeal lead aid convoy to help refugees in Greece.

Boxer Amir Khan has teamed up with a humanitarian charity from Wakefield to lead a special aid convoy to help refugees in Greece.
Boxer Amir Khan and the Penny Appeal  are helping refugees in Greece. Picture: Irfan BostanBoxer Amir Khan and the Penny Appeal  are helping refugees in Greece. Picture: Irfan Bostan
Boxer Amir Khan and the Penny Appeal are helping refugees in Greece. Picture: Irfan Bostan

The seven van convoy, packed with donated food, clothes, hygiene items and sleeping bags, departed today, (Tuesday) from his gym in Bolton, bound for a 2,000 mile journey to Athens.

The Amir Khan Foundation and the Penny Appeal, of Wood Street, Wakefield, have joined forces to bring much needed aid to refugees, who are arriving on the shores of Greece with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.

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The convoy is due to reach Athens on Friday, where Mr Khan will be set to join in with the volunteers to distribute the items by hand to those in desperate need.

He said: “It’s heartbreaking to see images of children losing their lives as their families flee from devastating conflict.

“What’s even more disturbing is knowing that many more lives will be lost unless we provide urgent aid to these refugees who don’t have anyone to turn to.

“I’m just amazed at how many people came together to donate so much and it just shows how generous and kind the British public really ­­are.”

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After the distribution in Athens, Mr Khan will travel with a group of volunteers to the Island of Lesbos and he will hand deliver more items, with the help of Penny Appeal, which the public have made financial contributions for, like food, tents and sleeping bags.

Adeem Younis, chairman of the Penny Appeal, added: “Every day, refugees arrive on the shores of Europe after surviving a horrendous journey after fleeing from violence and other unspeakable circumstances.

“The items we can provide will make a real difference, giving people hope as they take the first step on the path towards safer lives.

“We’re delighted to be working with Amir Khan and his Foundation on this life-saving project and call on people across the UK to get involved.”

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People can still donate towards the aid convoy campaign, with any money raised going towards the purchasing of items like food and shelter, which will be distributed in places like the Island of Lesbos, where over a thousand refugees are arriving every day.

Just £50 can provide food and shelter, and people can donate online at www.pennyappeal.org or call 03000 111111.