Our Refugee Stories

Sara was born in Eritrea, where she grew up with her parents and sister. When she was just eight years old, her mother passed away. Not long after, her father left the family, and the two sisters were taken in by their aunt, who lived in Sudan. Life there was extremely difficult; the ongoing conflict meant they never felt safe.

Hoping to find a more secure future for the girls, Sara’s aunt made the heart-breaking decision to pay smugglers to help them leave the country. Instead of finding safety, Sara experienced a journey far more dangerous than she could ever have imagined. After crossing into Libya, they were detained and forced into conditions of modern-day slavery. They were subjected to exploitation and unimaginable cruelty. During this time, Sara’s aunt was tragically killed by traffickers — a loss that still deeply affects Sara today.

Sara eventually managed to escape and made the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean to Italy. Along the way, she witnessed the death of a mother and her baby at sea — another trauma that has stayed with her. When Sara arrived in Italy, alone and without anyone she knew, she was so distressed that she spent three months in hospital recovering.

With a distant family member living in Manchester, Sara decided to continue her journey to the UK. She eventually arrived on the Wirral, exhausted, isolated, and carrying the weight of everything she had endured.

With dedicated and compassionate support from Heart4Refugees, Sara has slowly rebuilt her life. She has created a loving home, met and married a wonderful partner, and is now raising a beautiful family. Today, Sara volunteers with H4R, offering support to other single women arriving on the Wirral. Her courage, resilience, and generosity inspire everyone who meets her.

Sara’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength individuals carry within them — and how much can change when a community comes together to welcome, support, and stand alongside those seeking safety.

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In 2011 Youssef was studying medicine at university in his home country. He had a good life, a close family, a car and lots of friends. His uncle has lived in the UK for 40 years and would often tell him he should come to the UK to work as a doctor but he would say no. He never wanted to leave his family and friends.

Protests started in 2011 but two of his oldest friends were captured and never seen again. He had known these friends since he was 8.

He continued his studies, determined to qualify as a doctor. His University had to move their campus 20 miles out of the city as the road leading in to the uni was full of snipers. He thought things might improve, trying to be optimistic. Then his mum’s side of the family fled and left the country. Over the years that followed Youssef said goodbye to virtually every family member and friend.

After he graduated he was given no option but to join the military. Refusing to kill innocent people, he knew he had no choice but to leave.

He began his journey travelling through Europe determined to come to the UK because he speaks fluent English and his Uncle is here. The journey was incredibly hard but when he landed in Hoylake, he finally felt like the nightmare was over.

Over the last 6 months, he’s been our interpreter on demand, he’s learnt to play guitar with an Outreach volunteer from Wirral Change, attends IELTS English classes twice a week and has a cracking sense of humour! We are currently lobbying MP’s to discuss the transfer of qualifications from other countries in parliament. Watch this space....

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Ahmed was born in Sudan. When he was only twelve years old, an armed militia stormed his village and tragically killed his parents and sister. Alone and vulnerable, Ahmed was taken by traffickers and transported to Libya, where he spent three years in conditions of modern-day slavery. Despite being just a child, no one showed concern for his safety or wellbeing during this time.

Ahmed arrived in the UK in 2022, shortly after turning eighteen. He was exhausted, deeply traumatised, and carrying the immense weight of everything he had survived. When he moved to the Wirral, he was still very much a child in need of care, reassurance, and stability.

Since joining Heart4Refugees, Ahmed has shown extraordinary determination. He attends our English classes regularly and is always one of the first to volunteer, helping with anything and everything — always with a huge, warm smile. His commitment to building a new life is inspiring.

Ahmed is now studying for his GCSEs while also completing a plumbing course. He is driven by a strong desire to qualify, work, and enjoy the sense of normality and independence that was denied to him for so long.

Although he continues to experience loneliness, especially during holiday periods when our services temporarily pause, Ahmed has told us many times that Heart4Refugees has been the only source of kindness and support he has known since losing his family. His resilience, perseverance, and optimism make him a remarkable young man and a valued member of our community.

* Name changed. Stock picture.