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Grimsby explosive expert awarded Humanitarian Medal for Gaza work
Overview
Gary Toombs, a former British Army bomb disposal officer from New Waltham near Grimsby, has been awarded the Humanitarian Medal for his work protecting civilians in Gaza with the charity Humanity & Inclusion. Toombs, who was deployed to Gaza in February 2024, was among seven organisation members to receive the medal, which honours those responding to serious crises. His team conducted assessments of humanitarian sites, delivered risk-education sessions, and escorted aid convoys. Toombs has also worked in Ukraine and Syria, and is scheduled to return to Ukraine for his seventh mission.
Key points
- Gary Toombs received the Humanitarian Medal for his mine clearance and explosive expert work in Gaza.
- He works for Humanity & Inclusion, an independent charity, after spending 16 years as a Royal Engineer bomb disposal officer.
- Toombs was one of seven colleagues from the charity to receive the medal, which is backed by the King and honors crisis response.
- His team in Gaza conducted 186 site assessments, 57,000 risk-education sessions, and escorted aid convoys.
- Toombs noted that clearing rubble in Gaza is complex due to unexploded ordnance, hazardous materials, and human remains.
- He is set to travel to Ukraine to carry out a similar humanitarian mission.