Bradford has waved off a mercy convoy carrying about £250,000 of medical supplies to war-torn Gaza.

More than 40 volunteers at Bradford Viva Palestina set off today on the 5,000 mile journey from the mosque in Westgate.

All their cargo has been donated by well-wishers from across the district said Arshad Ali, a psychologist who was so moved by the televised image of a father carrying his dead four-year-old child that he gave up his job for a year to help victims of the conflict and set up the branch of a national aid charity.

The Bradford dad has spent almost 12 months co-ordinating the convoy and will be one of the drivers travelling in old ambulances and Mercedes-Benz vans that can be converted once they arrive in Gaza.

On board were dialysis machines, heart monitors, bandages, wheelchairs, crutches, other medical supplies, food and clothing.

Mr Ali said: “Bradford’s response has been overwhelming, from individuals to schools and businesses. There are very big hearts in our city.

“When I saw that terrible image of the father and his child back in December I knew we had to do something and this is it. When buildings fell, so did hospitals and clinics we are hoping to help rebuild all that was lost.”

The volunteers are mechanics, mothers, shopkeepers, business bosses and “just ordinary but extra ordinarily special people” from all walks of life, he said.

“We’re aiming to arrive at the Rafah border to Gaza on Boxing Day but we could be held up for as long as a month before we’re allowed to cross.

“We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.”

Once all the aid is handed over, the volunteers will stay for a few days before journeying back to Cairo and flying home.