UAE Helping Hands: How readers helped save family

Ahmed Yousif and his family have been able to cover the hospital bills for their newborn son after The National reached out to the community for assistance, in cooperation with Dar Al Ber.

Yousif Ahmed, son of Ahmed Mohamed Yousif, was born prematurely and kept in intensive care for months, resulting in a huge bill. Satish Kumar / The National

Three weeks ago, the future looked far from bright for Ahmed Yousif, whose newborn son’s medical treatment had led to debts of Dh240,000.

But thanks to the generosity of The National’s readers – and the work of the Dar Al Ber Society – the risk of jail hanging over Mr Yousif, from Sudan, has been wiped. He is overjoyed, but not surprised.

“We expected this because of the kindness of community – they wouldn’t let our family suffer,” he said. “Thank God and The National and Dar Al Ber and every person who helped us through these difficult times.”

“Yes, we were worried and we don’t know what we do,” his wife said with a laugh. “But I knew deep down that when people read about our case then they would definitely help.”

Three weeks ago in our Helping Hands series, Dar Al Ber told of Mr Yousif’s son, who spent three months in an incubator.

Dozens of The National’s readers contacted Dar Al Ber to help. On Thursday, Dar Al Ber said that because of their kindness and the help of a sister charity, Mr Yousif’s debt was covered.

“It was exhilarating and heartwarming to see such generosity,” said Hisham Al Zahrani, manager at the charity. “Complete strangers and sometimes companies were calling us and asking how they could help.”

“Mr Yousif was worried that at any moment he will be jailed and deported. It would have been disastrous for an entire family who have lived in the UAE for years.”

Each Sunday, The National and Dar Al Ber tell of a family in need of your help.