Harrogate holidaymaker in Morocco joins desperate bid to save earthquake victims

A Harrogate woman on holiday in Morocco has joined the desperate attempt to help earthquake survivors.

Charlie Waterson, 28, arrived in Marrakesh with her boyfriend on Monday last week.

But their relaxing break suddenly took on a completely different complexion when the earthquake struck on Friday.

Almost 3,000 people are known to have died in the country’s deadliest earthquake in 60 years.

Fortunately the hostel Charlie was staying in was rebuilt in 2017 and managed to withstand the tremors.

Since then she has joined the attempt to help thousands of homeless people struggling to survive on the streets.

Yesterday she used £200 of her own money and £600 she managed to raise from friends and family back home to buy basic provisions for local people and she plans to buy more today.

Speaking last night to the Stray Ferret, Charlie (pictured above) said:

“I am trying to do as much as I can while I’m out here. Marrakesh is in a state of complete devastation.

“There’s not much aid out here. They blankets, food, women’s toiletries — anything really.”

Charlie dropped off some goods yesterday and plans to return to the mountains tomorrow to help more people. She said:

“I had a taxi full of food today and it went in seconds. I had women kiss my shoulder and children kiss my feet.

“I burst out into tears. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

Some of the provisions bought by Charlie.

Charlie and her partner are due to fly to Malaga later tomorrow for two days before returning to the UK on Thursday.

She urged people to do whatever they can to support the rescue operation by donating.

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