In September 2011 Celia, Wil, Ali and Geoff are cycling from Sheffield to Istanbul to raise money for charities supporting asylum seekers.

We've decided that we would like to raise money for two great charities that support destitute asylum seekers in Sheffield and Istanbul.  Any money raised on this page will go to Assist and money raised through any of our other activities will go to ASAM.

 

Asylum seekers are often those who have already been through hardships that we can only imagine, often coming from countries where they have been persecuted for their ethic origin, sexuality or religious beliefs. 

 

On our trip we will cross through the borders of 10 countries, and we want to highlight the fact that this freedom of movement is not a universal privilege and take the opportunity to do something positive to help.

 

ASSIST: Asylum Seeker Support Initiative - Short Term (ASSIST) is a Sheffield charity that helps destitute asylum seekers in and around Sheffield.  Refused asylum seekers are not allowed to work, to register themselves as homeless, or obtain places in local authority night shelters.  There is no legal way for them to support themselves.  Many  become destitute, struggling daily for food, accommodation and clothing. It is estimated that there is about 1,000 destitute asylum seekers in the Sheffield area alone.

 

ASAM: Since turmoil in Tunisia and Syria in the Spring of this year, as many as 25,000 people have fled to safety within the Turkish border, and ASAM provide support and advocacy for refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey. 

 

If you would like to support us (and our charities) please feel free to donate on this page.  Thanks for your support.

We love you all.

Ali, Wil, Celia and Geoff xxx