Hi folks,

I am travelling to the Greek Island of Lesvos in April to assist with the search and rescue operations wing of the ERCI (Emergency Response Centre International)

This two-week stint will involve scanning for boats and assisting refugees as they approach the shore from Turkey.

Over 5,000 people fleeing war and famine drowned in the Mediterranean in 2016 alone.

Although the numbers of people desperately trying to cross the treacherous waters of the Aegean Sea have declined, people are still making the crossing with many still losing their lives.

The boats themselves are for the most part in a poor condition, overcrowded and the life-jackets that are purchased in Turkey are often counterfeits filled with straw. Unfortunately, people who have made it to Turkey after fleeing war and famine are desperate enough to take the risk.

My aim working with the ERCI is to get everyone safely to Lesvos from their crossing on the perilous waters from Turkey.

I will also be helping out in one of the main refugee camps on the island, assisting with anything from distributing supplies to
any maintenance\cleaning that needs doing.

I have covered all travel and accommodation costs myself so anything that will be raised will go directly to the ERCI.

With no sign of a peaceful solution to the conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, Libya as well as about 20 million people facing starvation in Somalia, South Sudan & Yemen, NGOs like the ERCI are needed now more than ever.

So, if you can spare anything at all, it will really go a long way in ensuring that ERCI's vital work during this crisis can continue.

If you could share this post with friends, family and philanthropists it would be greatly appreciated.

If you choose to remain anonymous with how you display your donations on the page, still feel free to get in touch so I can thank you personally. :)

Thank you all so much