We are them and they are us
My name is Emma, I am an ordinary mother of 3 boys. Originally from Liverpool but currently living in Market Harborough, Leicester.
I have always believed in equality for all people of the world – that we should be aiming for equality for all regardless of; cultures, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
In the autumn of 2015, the news of mass drowning’s in the Augean Sea hit the headlines. Like many, I expected that the ‘authorities’ would go into ’emergency mode’ to provide help and refuge to the thousands of people looking to Europe for help.
That idealistic view now seems a million miles from our reality.
I decided to go to Lesvos and help in any way I could, fundraising to help people on the ground and showing solidarity. Showing that not all Europeans/ UK Citizens have turned their back.
I put together small packs of toiletries and wrote cards in Arabic and Farsi (well kind of) to take with me to show solidarity and extend good wishes of good fortune from the UK. Every person who donated or supported the cause had a card written on their behalf.
I funded my own costs in full and was very careful how the money (over £4,000) that was raised was spent, together we helped hundreds of desperate people fleeing to Europe from war.
Since the Lesvos trip in January, refugees in Europe face more pain and suffering. Now many borders are closed and familes are stranded in camps, with little shelter, resources or hope.
I felt compelled to return to Greece and help again. I wholeheartedly disagree with Europes anti-refugee policy. The majority of people trapped in Europe are fleeing for their lives – I am deeply ashamed of the response from the EU and the UK government.
Again I funded the trip myself, and re-opened the fundraising campaign, which raised nearly £3,000. I am not naïve and am aware that the direct help I and my funders provide is merely a drop in the ocean, when facing thousands and thousands of people in need. However, if someone gave your child a pair of boots or a good coat or gave you a clean set of underwear when you had none or handed you a bowl of soup and tea when you are living in a tent in the cold and wet … then it would make a difference .
However, as well as providing essential resources, I want to make a stance and say that I / we want to help and that we dont support the ‘slam the door in your face’ policy of the EU. My family have been incredibly supportive, and my husband has helped with lobbying and campaigning.
I will continue to promote the human side of this humanitarian disaster in Europe, refusing to accept that people are numbers or statistics. We are talking about real men, women and children – I have been so lucky to have met a small number and believe me, the honour was all mine.
We are them, they are us
Solidarity for refugees 