International Shia News Agency

How three young British men are raising money to go fight ISIS in Iraq

SHAFAQNA – Three modern-day musketeers from across Britain want to go on a crusade to fight Islamic State in Syria and are asking the public to fund them.

Freelance digital marketer Jamie Hatton, 18, and former army troops Alan Duncan, 46, and Steven Costa, 31, are willing to risk their lives to tackle terrorists waging war in Syria.

The trio feel compelled to join Kurdish fighters take on ISIS after facing sleepless nights thinking about innocent civilians killed at the terrorists hands.

They are unable to fund the £15,000 needed for flights, body armour, weapons, warm weather clothes and transport.

They have taken to crowdfunding site fundrazr.com and have so far raised £3,380 between them.

Despite having no military experience, Mr Hatton, whose father, three uncles and aunt were in the army, isn’t fazed by the harsh realities of war.

He said: “I know people might think I’m mad going without any military experience, but the Kurdish militia will train me.

“War doesn’t really scare me. I don’t think about dying, it doesn’t cross my mind.

“Fighting is in my blood. I tried joining the British Army but I failed the medical because I had suffered a seizure. I was gutted.

“When I heard that the Kurds were looking for volunteers to fight in Syria, I knew it was my chance.

“ISIS brought the fight to Britain, now I’m bringing it to them.”

The baby-faced fighter, from Darlington, County Durham, added: “I might not have money, and I might only be one man, but I know I can help. I’m willing to lay down my life for the fight against evil.”

Mr Costa is willing to leave his wife and two children in Exmouth, Devon, to fight the cause.

He has validated himself through a team in Reading which is placing fighters with anti-IS forces.

He said: “I feel like I have to do whatever I can to stop ISIS and that means fighting with the Kurds as they’re the only ones providing a resistance.

“I’ve got a wife and two kids, I don’t want to go but I feel compelled to.

“I know that if I don’t go and stay here, I’ll just feel worse and worse when I see more people dying at the hands of ISIS.”

Alan, from Scotlandwell, Scotland, has raised the lion’s share of the money at 3,200.

He said: “There are no heroics in this. I am just doing the right thing – and I’ll be there until it is finished.

“To be honest, my partner understands. She knew I missed soldiering and my family understand that I didn’t just jump into this.

“I have researched what I am doing and where I am going.

“I did have a life after the forces but I felt I have got skills that can be put to good use, that can be used to help with what is going on over there.”

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