All this talk of treasured objects makes the plight of those who have lost theirs all the more harrowing. Whether in floods here in UK or because as refugees people have had to walk away from all their belongings, it's hard to really comprehend what that means. I look around and try to imagine having had to walk out of the door, away from my lovely home, my job, my country, carrying my children and little else.
My youngest daughter was so moved by an interview on radio (also see here in the text) with a British woman Gil Clasby, who lives in Bulgaria and volunteers every day at a refugee camp for Syrians, that she persuaded her work to pay for the transport of a palette of urgently needed warm clothes. What are needed most right now are men's jackets and coats, men's trousers, men's shoes size 8 + and women's jackets and coats. If you live near me and have any of these to spare, do drop them off or call us and we'll collect them this week.