When the refugee crisis started we all watched our TV screens with horror as children washed up on beaches as they tried to flee the danger of a home that had become a warzone. The talk of Calais has ceased and the harrowing pictures have disappeared from our screens, so we could be forgiven for thinking the refugee crisis is over. But this couldn’t be further from reality. The dismantling of the Jungle wasn’t the end of the crisis in Calais, it was actually the start of a new, more dangerous situation.

I’ve decided to head to Calais in September to volunteer with the charity Help Refugees. I will work in the warehouse, the kitchens and go on day patrol to help the refugees first hand. I'll be funding this myself, but I’m hoping that with some help, we can also provide these families with some of the vital resources they need. I have set myself two personal challenges, with the hope that I can encourage anyone reading this to help along the way.

Firstly, I aim to complete Ride London, a 100 mile cycle ride, later this month. Then in September I’m aiming to complete Swim Serpentine, an open water two-mile swim in Hyde Park. These two challenges, along with the London Marathon, make up the London Classics. My goal has been to complete all three while living in London and before I turn 30. I completed the London Marathon last year, so will now turn my attention to completing these two this summer. And with hard work, I will.

Rather than fundraise, and no one actually know where their money goes, instead, I thought you could sponsor me in buying an item that can help these families that I will personally deliver to them in September.

Please see below for a list of the items that are a priority, along with the cost. During the donation process please include the amount you’d like to donate, and if you would like to, what items you would like that to cover, and soon those items will be making their way to a family in need. This is where the items will be bought: https://choose.love

I‘ll be packing up my car with all the donations and taking lots of photographs of the expereice that I’ll look forward to sharing with all of you so you can see the smiling faces of the people you have helped.

Thank you so much for your support,

Claire

ITEM

Hot Food - £3

Meal Ingredients - £5

Warm Socks - £5

Blanket - £5

Dictionary - £5

Baby Grow - £8

Childs Boots - £8

Childs Coat - £10

Emergency Blanket - £10

Cooking Pans - £14

Hygiene Kit - £15

School Bag & Supplies - £15

Sleeping Bag - £20

Waterproof Tent - £20