Luljeta Nuzi, the director and co-founder of Shpresa, recently survived heart surgery, followed by being diagnosed with terminal cancer, and now is undergoing chemotherapy. She is a truly courageous woman who is fighting for her life all the while managing to continue to fight to support her vision and dream for Shpresa.

I first met Luljeta Nuzi 20 years ago when the organisation and their mission first began. It started out as just one small room as an office, but with a team and a great vision, it has grown to the wonderful and successful organisation it is today. Shpresa is highly regarded and has won awards for its contribution to the community, including the Queen's Award from Queen Elizabeth II. This is in no small part because of Luljeta and her amazing spirit.

When I first met her, I was a refugee in need of community and support as a very young mother who knew very little English and had left school at a young age. In this vulnerable position, Luljeta immediately made me feel supported and at home through her warm and caring nature. When you meet this woman, you believe in change, and that the world can become a better place. She empowers others and sees the best in everyone. She is truly extraordinary and I am very fortunate to know her.

I have witnessed, seen, and been a part of this grand organisation for all of these years, first as a service user, and then as a volunteer worker. I know personally how it has helped and transformed the lives of many people, including myself. This organisation has given me a support network, a second home, a place where you can connect to people through services and projects. It encourages and supports individuals and their families to play a positive and active role in British Society. 

My heart is with Luljeta Nuzi and her recovery, and I will walk with her.  She wrote her goal for this fundraiser - "Shpresa has always dreamed of having a home, and the Albanian community deserves to have one. We are in the process of buying Mansfield House, and we've managed to have a mortgage offer and a social investment. However, we will need to raise £200,000 to unlock these two and go forward with the purchase. I will walk 100,000 steps to raise £100,000 pounds. Please walk with me, sponsor me, or donate." Her goal is to purchase this home to provide a permanent and supporting community, and second home for everyone who is away from home.

I have decided not to use public transport and will walk as many kilometres as I can to support Luljeta's recovery as well as her dream for Shpresa. Please consider walking with me in support of Luljeta and Shpresa, or donate to support this dream.

Thank you for the support. 

With love and kindness,

Nevila