Save Syria's Children

This week we have all seen those horrifying pictures that show the harshest realities of humanity.

I have seen them; I now can’t make them unseen.

The picture itself wasn’t the thing that upset me the most. It is tragic, heart-breaking and truly disturbing to think and realise that someone that small has suffered.

Yet, the picture that got me was of the two children standing alongside their father smiling. They were happy, they had love, they had their family and most importantly they had their life.

That picture looked no different to ones I have had with the boys; my two gorgeous and wonderful boys.

I have seen a mixture of comments on social media. Some people are appalled and want need retribution and action for these situations not to be the case.

Some have stated that they have seen it and they don’t want to see it anymore. They are fed up and upset constantly with their feeds being full of something so purely tragic.

I have also seen people’s status’ showing no empathy and pushing the blame and expected mockery of those who have suffered; ultimately because “They deserve what they get, trying to get into our country, steal our jobs and claim our benefits”

I won’t here, put into words how I feel about the last statement.

For me these are not refugees; these are people, Fathers, Mothers and Children.

The thing here is that this week isn’t the first week. This isn’t the first time that these instances have happened. Instead this is a week where a picture has shone a spotlight onto the dire conditions that are happening in an idealistic and modernistic world, a reality that Syria has had for 4 years now.

This, in truth, has been happening for decades and is still happening right now.

In World War II we had a mass influx of Jews entering our country to flee discrimination and death. It is estimated that those who sought to come to the United Kingdom, that as many as 50,000 may have been successful; which were met with discrimination and disgust. (until the true knowledge of the holocaust was revealed)

In the 50’s we had an estimated influx of 21,000 refugees seeking asylum from the Hungarian revolution.

In the 1960’s it is estimated that over 30,000 Gujarati Indians fled from being persecuted in Uganda to the UK. These people also hit discrimination for stealing jobs, training to be Doctors, opening Corner shops and Post offices.

Finally, in the 1980’s we had an increase of people coming from Somalia when Civil war started which totalled over 10,000.

In the 1990’s though everything changed; Laws changed and were created. Immigration and Refugee status was characterized by the Government. MP’s started discussing these topics openly. We, as a nation, changed our view point. Now we apparently had a problem with it.

Yet prior to this we opened our doors and allowed comfort and security to over 100,000 people.

It is in our minds and heart this week after seeing such tragedy put right in front of us but the reality is that this has always been going on.

As it is here and in our minds then now should be the time to make a change, make a difference and help.

1.       Donate to a charity that has a Syria appeal, such as Syria Relief or even Save the Children. By texting 70008 SYRIA

2.       If you’re in or going to London on the 12^th of September you can go on the ‘Solidarity with refugees‘ protest march.

3.       Join in with Save Syria’s Children Charity Challenge and take part in a challenge to raise awareness and help raise money.

4.       Sign petitions to get more refugees into our country, where we are lucky enough to have food, shelter; all things that we take for granted every day.

I cannot even imagine the drive that would make anyone flee their homes and once happy lives. Yet what is apparent is that they have no other choice.

At the end of the day they only want to be another day older and that's the only hope for the life of the poor, hungry and scared.

It's a struggle, it's a war. To dramatic? Then why would anyone risk the lives of their loved ones, to risk their lives to the dangers of the Sea rather than stay on land?

We are good at helping when we all watch and take part in charity events like Children in Need or Red Nose day. These are great charities that raise millions and do so to support people in need and they do so through humour and fun but always show you the harsh reality.

Today I am not laughing, instead I am making a difference. #SaveSyriasChildren

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

Nelson Mandela