Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Last year I joined the brilliant team who organize the Refugee Tales walks  -in support of the campaign to end indefinite detention of those seeking refuge  in the UK.

We walked for five days , hundreds of us sleeping on the floors of church halls and community centers - privileged to be able to hear the stories of those who had been detained - Rachid who as a very young man had to flee his happy life as a farmers son in Sudan the victim of a cruel war . He walked desperate and hungry across the Sahara , nearly drowned in the Mediterranean and seeking sanctuary in the UK was imprisoned in a detention center .  Visited by a Celia a compassionate volunteer from the Gatwick Detainee Welfare Group he was supported to get recognition as a refugee and found love and solidarity . It was so moving to see him with Celia and how much he wanted to help her when she got a bit tired on the long hot walk.

This year in lockdown the Refugee Tales walk cannot go ahead in the same way but the important work of the GDWG still goes on - providing  telephone support and advice , emergency funds for so many who are truly locked down, and help when they are released. Right now they have to fear for their lives  without the right protection - imprisoned  without the right kind of care and when they are released it is to destitution and often homelessness. 

Many of us may struggle with lockdown - but we are not locked in , lockdown with friends or family, with food and comfort, is a very different experience  from being imprisoned in a detention center indefinitely- away from families and loved ones subject to unpleasant conditions and deprived of kindness , resources , the ability to work  and proper contact with loved ones. 

So please do give the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group your support - they are a tiny charity with only four employees and heroic volunteers, devoted to giving love,solidarity,kindness and practical advice to those who are suffering indefinite detention in Gatwick Detention Centre .

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.