Pen is a 32-year-old disabled Cambodian girl from Kampong Chnang. When she was just seven years old, she was struck by polio which destroyed the muscles in her left leg. As a result, she finds walking very hard and tiring because of her heavy limp (she cannot lift or bend her leg). Also, she has to wear a brace all day long to avoid her left leg becoming much shorter than the right one, due to the absence of muscles. This is also affecting her back.

Three years ago, in an attempt to escape her poverty stricken life and to try to get a job, Pen moved to Thailand with her then husband leaving their 8 year old son in the care of her sister. Unfortunately, a few months later, her husband left her for another woman and Pen hasn't heard from him since. She and her son don't receive any support from him, financial or otherwise.

It is extremely challenging for a disabled person to get a job in Thailand, Cambodia and other South East Asia countries. Furthermore, disabled people don't get any support from the government and are often discriminated against.

The only job Pen was able to find in Thailand is to sell handbags at the train market in Bangkok, four evenings a week. The job is very tiring for her because of the leg, and because it's commission based, often Pen only earns enough money to buy some food for herself. Two months ago she had to leave her bedsit because she couldn't afford to pay rent anymore and hasn't been able to send any money to her son in Cambodia since. She is now sleeping on a mattress on the floor at a friend's apartment, but even this solution is only temporary.

Pen has never asked me for anything, never begged and never lost her dignity by selling herself as tragically many women in similar situations have to do. She struggles on determined to provide for her son although we have reached a point now where her situation is challenging, and she would be better going back to Cambodia.

I am trying to raise an ambitious £10,000 to help Pen this way:

1. Help her leave Thailand and return to Cambodia.

2. Buying a new brace for her leg to replace the current one which is old, heavy and often needs repairs.

3. Rent a room or a small apartment where Pen can finally live with her son again.

4. Provide Pen with enough money to buy food and medicines for her and her son while she tries (again) to find work in Cambodia.

5. Pay for her son's school fees and English courses so that he has the best chance to find a job and support his mother when finish studying.

6. Purchase a mobility scooter so that Pen can move around without having to walk too much.

Any money above the target will be a welcome buffer and give Pen more time to find a job.

Disability has life-changing consequences for the people suffering from it and their loved ones, regardless of where they live. However, for those living in third world countries, the consequences are all the more severe due to the lack of resources and often lack of empathy.

Your donations will go a long way to help Pen and her son receive a much-needed immediate help, and the hope of a better future.

Please dig deep into your heart and give. Thank you very much!