Hospitals in Sussex are urging people to donate supplies to give to victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Collection stands have been set up at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton to send humanitarian help to those affected by last week’s tragedy, which has killed more than 35,000 people.

Volunteers are urging people to donate sleeping bags, baby formula, soap, sanitary products and children’s toys to send to victims of the disaster.

It comes as staff at the Royal Sussex County Hospital came together to donate items as part of the humanitarian response to the crisis.

A spokesman for University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said: “The care and compassion our staff show every day is amazing and this act of kindness is truly incredible to see.”

Donations can be made at the Main Outpatient Department at the Princess Royal Hospital today, tomorrow, and February 16 from 8am to 5pm. Volunteers at the hospital are accepting:

  • Sleeping bags, tents, blankets and heaters
  • Canned food
  • Baby formula and nappies
  • Sanitary products
  • Soap
  • Children’s toys (new)
  • Winter clothing

Donations can also be made at the Audrey Emerton Building at the Royal Sussex County Hospital tomorrow and February 16 from 9am to 7pm. Volunteers are accepting:

  • Tents and sleeping bags
  • Canned food
  • Pet food
  • Baby formula and nappies
  • Sanitary products
  • Soap
  • Children’s toys (new)
  • Winter clothing (excluding coats)

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Rescuers continue to work around the clock to reach people under the rubble in three provinces hit hardest by the devastating quakes last week.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to open two new crossing points from Turkey to the country’s rebel-held northwest to deliver desperately needed aid and equipment to earthquake victims.

Survivors face difficult conditions amid wrecked cities, with many sleeping outdoors in freezing weather. Much of the region’s water system is not working, with damage to the system raising risks of contamination.

An appeal by the UK Disasters Emergency Committee has raised more than £60 million for those affected by the disaster.

Donations to the appeal can be made online at donation.dec.org.uk.