She stared at the last can of tuna and baked beans with anxiety. The last loaf of bread had 4 slices left. She lied to her child that she was not hungry as she knew that somehow she had to make it last for a week or maybe two … who knows until when… and how would she feed her child?

The fridge smiled telling her that she had half an onion and 2 eggs left. She filled her stomach with water and when outside tried to cough to hide away the sounds of her rumbling belly. Her body weakened day by day but she still had hope.

Was life always like this? Of course not! Mary was once an Executive who had worked for several companies and had travelled around the world. She met a man, had a child, and this child, who had several health issues needed his mother. Now that her child's health had improved she was hoping to return to work! The relationship has broken down and Mary had used all her savings to support herself until there was nothing left in her account.

Due to Brexit, her recent application to Universal credit, a new benefit for those who are in the poverty line, failed! Despite being in the UK for most of her life, for over 30 years, and having paid taxes before that, she failed some residential habitual test – which the agent himself did not understand. They told her that it would take 28 days for her claim to be considered or reviewed but not necessarily solved...and in the meanwhile her energy suppliers called, her mobile phone company demanded payment and her house was now at the risk of being taken away from her. It had been almost 2.5 months that she had tried to get help and she was still waiting...She was left to survive on £20 a week child benefit whilst they dealt with her claim! Mary needs your urgent help! Help to allow her to get clothes for her interviews, help with travel costs and help her to have basic lunches and feed herself and her child. Its a basic need we all have!

The Goal: to give £500 in supermarket and clothes companies vouchers or emergency funds for electricity and Gas to 20 families in the same circumstances as Mary and once those 20 families are able, ask them to fund another 20 families with the same gift.. and who knows... together we can stop Mary from feeling that we stopped caring for each other! Your contribution will allow Mary and women like Mary to attend interviews with the right clothes, pay for her travel and be able to feed herself for a month. Once she gets that job, things will start improving and you will know about it.