My husband Rich and I will be heading to Athens this October to support refugee families trapped in camps in Greece. And we are asking for your financial support so we can pass it along to those who need it most.

It's been over 7 years since my first trip to Greece to see how I could support refugees, and I am astounded to say the situation as not changed. Rich and I were there over Christmas 2021 and we could see that things are as bad as ever for refugees. In fact we'd even say it's worse, as there are now thousands of people who are not allowed to provide for themselves (by working), but also no longer supported financially (usually around 40 Euros a month) - they are literally begging for food, going through bins, and relying on hand outs from grass roots organisations such as the ones Rich and I are affiliated with:

- https://www.refugeebiriyanibananas.org/

- http://lovewithoutborders4refugees.com/

Imagine if YOUR daily life was consumed with just trying to get enough food for your children. Imagine if your baby had been in the same clothes for days on end, no shoes, and a heavily soiled nappy. Imagine if you had nowhere to sleep tonight and you knew from experience that the temperature will drop to minus figures again.

As many of you will know (because you have supported us so generously before), Rich and I have been supporting displaced people in Greece for the last 7 years, It often feels like a drop in an ocean but we live by the saying that ‘you can’t help everyone but everyone can help someone’ . This October we need your help again. We will be based in Athens, working with homeless refugees: families, children, older people, individuals, groups. Firstly we will be doing what we can to make sure people have food, and to provide clean clothes. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, we will be trying to create a bit of warmth for those that have none, and hope for those that have lost theirs.

We ask that you give what you can to support us on this mission. The funds we raise will be used directly helping the people we meet along the way in the form of food, sleeping bags, nappies, baby food, and if there is enough, costs to cover art therapy for children in the park - a rare moment for them to just be kids again, and to let some of their feelings out.

Please give what you can and I promise you we will make sure it goes to good use, to those who need it far more than we do. I always say that even if you gave just £5 – practically the price of a takeaway cup of coffee these days – it will make a difference. (Of course please give more if you can!)

Thank you sincerely, in advance. You can follow me on Instagram @positively_Leila for insights in to our Christmas 2021 misison. And I'll post updates of our next misison once we are there in October 2022.