I am raising funds for a friend, to enable her to bring her vulnerable teenaged daughter over from Africa, to live with her and her family in the UK. The funding is for her flight and the expensive visa application.

I’ve known my friend and her family who are a valuable part of our church here in London, for nearly five years. In some senses I feel I know her eldest daughter, who lives away from her mother in Africa too. (I will call my friend Martha and daughter Amber, to protect her daughter’s identity)

Though I’ve never met Amber, I have heard so much about her over the years. I heard about the care packages her mum regularly sends her. The change of school and fees Martha paid for when Amber had to leave Martha’s parent’s home. We celebrated Amber’s 16th birthday from afar, when Martha asked our opinion on the silver cross and chain, she was choosing for her 16th birthday. But recently Amber’s story has taken a more worrying turn and I am concerned for her safety.

You may ask why mother and daughter live in different continents? Amber was conceived through a sexual assault when Martha lived in her family home in Africa. Despite being traumatised by the events, Martha managed to struggle on, caring for Amber for the first three years of her life. But life was very difficult, and in the end, Martha found it impossible to cope. In a country with no benefits, struggling to come to terms with the attack. Heading for a breakdown she knew she needed time to recover from her ordeal and begin to build a life for her and her child elsewhere. So, she took the very difficult decision, to leave Amber, then aged three, in the care of family in Africa, believing this would be best for them both. She left for the UK, where she began to work, sending money home to the family. Martha always took an active interest and part in Amber’s life and development. She was always determined to bring her child to the UK as soon as it was possible, but the situation was complex.

Life in the UK has had its challenges for Martha and sadly, it has taken many years for her to be in the position bring her daughter over legally to join her. When Amber was twelve years old, Martha returned to Africa and attempted to bring her to the UK. But because of visa issues at the time, she was not legally allowed to do so.

Martha was devastated, Amber left distraught, crying for her mum as they were separated at the airport. Martha promised Amber this would never happen again and next time she came to bring her over she would ensure everything legal was in place.

In the meantime, Martha has had two other children, but she has never lost hope that they would be reunited, and Amber at long last would be able to meet her sister and brother.

Meanwhile Amber has not had an easy life. The family wasn't the safe place Martha had hoped it would be. Amber sustained physical and mental abuse from one of Martha’s sisters. So, Martha, unable to bring her to the UK, speedily sent Amber to boarding school. She sent money over for her fees and necessities.

However recently things have taken a turn for the worse. Amber herself was physically abused by a young man. This assault has led her to be depressed and suicidal. Having no one to talk to, not wanting to worry her mum, Amber initially kept things to herself. Amber still has received no emotional support, to help her deal with the trauma, apart from speaking to her mum on the phone. ‘Where I grew up’ Martha explained ‘Most people don't understand the emotional side of things’. This had an impact on her previously excellent schoolwork. She messed up her exams and ended up leaving school and working seven days a week as a domestic servant. Not permitted to leave the house for anything other than work, covering domestic work and childcare, she’s currently a modern-day slave. Amber dreams of continuing her education and joining mum and siblings in the UK. Martha believes she has a good case legally now to bring her vulnerable daughter to join her. But with Martha struggling financially herself, the £4000 needed to pay for her flights and relevant visa application is an impossible dream. Martha worked as a carer, looking after Covid patients in a rehabilitation unit. Recently she has been studying to achieve the qualifications to enable her to train as a nurse. Martha raised £1300 by giving up her car, but she still needs £2700 to bring her daughter home and she simply doesn’t have the funds.

This is a matter of some urgency as Martha has real concerns for Amber’s mental health. She is constantly exhausted, Martha explained “I would do anything to be with my daughter. Amber cries and asks me if I’ll ever be able to be a mother properly to her. She wants to get to know me and her little brother and sister. She can't do it anymore; I can't do it anymore. I am doing an application for her to join us, but it is so expensive. If anyone is able to help us, I would be so grateful. So, my daughter and I can be reunited, thank you, God bless you”.