Meet Jim, the 75-year-old hero keeping Calais warm

This is Jim. Jim is 75 years old and had a triple heart bypass last year, so he is very much in the vulnerable group for COVID-19.

Jim has also been a staunch supporter of the refugees for many years.

Last week Jim asked me what we need right now in Calais, and I told him we are short of medium-sized jogging bottoms. He has donated many hundreds of jogging bottoms over the last two years, and he knows these are valued as both clean trousers and as a warm winter base layer.

Today, Jim called to say he will be delivering 200 pairs to us tomorrow. He has weighed up the considerable personal risk involved in this trip. He has worked out that if he drives door to door in his own car – on the Eurotunnel so he does not leave the vehicle – and if we unload for him at the warehouse, this risk can be managed. But most of all, he told me, he wants to show an act of solidarity with our brave volunteers who are working on the front line.

It is people like Jim who will get us through this crisis. His generosity of spirit, strength of character, his care for others is what we need right now. Thank you, Jim for inspiring us, and thank you to every volunteer who is working for refugees in these hardest of times. We, and Jim, stand behind you today.

from Clare Moseley, founder

Please see our daily updates on the implications of coronavirus for refugees and for volunteering by clicking here.