Clitheroe to Calais – people love people

In October Roo and I will be traveling from Clitheroe to Calais along with others (hopefully) to take necessary supplies to the people camped out there with little or nothing.

Why?

I have been really challenged by the situation and compelled to do something, so often I see these awful things happen and I feel frustrated and powerless that all I feel I can do is donate money and get on with my life. This is so close.

I can't change things or influence politicians on a large scale but this isn't about that.

I want to see this situation with my own eyes.

I want to meet these people and look them in the eye and tell them people care, tell them we care and want a better life for them.

I want to take things to them they so desperately need that I have in abundance.

I also want to document the journey to give more of an insight into the human beings that are there, and not just absorbing what is portrayed in the media as the reality. I will be respectful and sensitive of course, and only photograph and use information with permission.

I have had this in my thoughts for weeks and have talked myself out of it many times, but I know that I will look back on this with either two emotions: regret that I stayed within the boundaries of my safe and comfortable life or thankful that I got up and did something that scared me but helped people who need it.

Am I scared?

Yes.

But I am not scared of going there, I am scared of failing and of looking stupid and those aren't good enough reasons not to go.

So in the coming week, I will be posting about the items that are needed and drop of points for donations.

I will also set up a donation page, Roo and I are paying for the ferry to cross out of our own pocket. The money donated will hopefully pay for a van and fuel and also allow us to go to the local Lidl and get more supplies.

There is an anticipation that as Summer draws to a close the people going and donations taken will decrease but the need will increase.

As I am also aware we have people in need in this country, on our doorsteps, a third of what is donated and what we raise will go to local charity/food bank yet to be decided.

I am currently in contact with a few other groups traveling there from the North West and have contacted organisations on the ground in the 'jungle' to make arrangements to ensure our trip is as organised and beneficial as possible.

Thank you for reading and for your support x