‘My sister, we have been given the right to stay in the UK.’

‘Today I received the message I’ve been dreaming of – ‘My sister, we have been given the right to stay in the UK.’

About a year and a half ago, I heard about a family who had been recently placed near me, and that they could do with a visit. Little did I know how close we would all become, and what adventures we would share.

Sure, some of the adventures we could’ve done without – tearful meetings with the Home Office as they threatened removal, is top of that list. But most have been much more positive – me discovering my friend’s amazing cooking (I blame her for putting on half a stone), laughing like fools over Google translate fails, finding lots in common, and learning from our differences.

But the highlight of our adventures has to be the arrival of beautiful baby O, and being a birth partner for her delivery was a complete honour I will never forget. I even learned a bit of Kurdish whilst doing it – and no, they weren’t swear words!

There have been prolonged times of worry and stress for the family which really took its toll. Life has been far from easy – caring for their disabled son, dealing with trauma, and all under the cloud of Home Office bureaucracy.  But finally, we celebrate! When I saw them today they looked 10 years younger, and we laughed that finally, my friends can get a good night’s sleep!

They sent me a message saying: ‘We are very happy to receive this honour. I hope we will be useful in this country.’

I am blessed to have such kind and caring friends, and I know our country is incredibly lucky to have them join us. May their talents be used, and their spirit celebrated. Welcome my friends, I’m rooting for you.’ ❤

Charlotte Khan, Care4Calais volunteer.

To volunteer with Care4Calais, email [email protected]

(photos with permission).