In the early hours of Wednesday morning, 14th June 2017, a devastating fire rapidly consumed Grenfell Tower in West London, and all 129 apartments inside. Over hundred sadly perished in the man-made disaster.

I lived on the 18th floor of Grenfell Tower, from birth until the age of 23. My childhood was spent running around this very living room (you can make out my school photograph on the top left of the picture).

I was not at Grenfell Tower, but received the most chilling call on the morning of 14th June from my mother completely in tears to say she had to borrow a phone as she had to run out of the flat with my father in only their pyjamas, and that Grenfell Tower was coming down in a blazing fire. Never have I heard such sorrow and anguish in a moment which will haunt me forever. My parents only survived by a matter of minutes as a fire ball broke through the kitchen window, flooding the flat with waves of fire and smoke in a matter of moments.

From the bottom of my heart, I never wish such sadness upon anyone.
To all those that so sadly passed away, may you rest in peace. To those that made it out alive, may you come through stronger.

My parents have been active community members for the past 25 years at Grenfell Tower, trying to bring about positive change and worked tireless to improve the living standards of those in the building. In fact my father was Chairman and Founder of the Leaseholders Association. They are now homeless, with no possessions apart from memories now clouded by that terrible night. They deserve so much better, but I am so grateful they are both alive.

It will be an immense struggle to continue with their lives and 6 weeks on they still suffer from permanent trauma and sleepless nights after losing so many friends and neighbours. Please show your generous support to help them rebuild their lives and demonstrate that positivity will always overcome diversity.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity and thoughts.