After hearing of the devastation caused to those already facing hardships in Turkey and Syria, Meena and Jon felt compelled to help. Meena suggested an appeal for donations and John offered his time to co-run it and help get everyone involved.
John explained: “I woke up one morning and put on the news to be confronted with the massive disaster. The devastation was vast and people, including children, were still stuck in the rubble. It made me feel really upset. I felt I needed to do something.
“Later that morning Meena came to see me and we talked about the crisis. In that moment we both said we should get a donation going and support as much as we could.
“We started with putting the word around for clothing donations. I personally bought a drone to help find people in the rubble and some emergency blankets.”
Posters were made quickly and put around the unit and Meena described the response as “overwhelming”. They had boxes of item donations to give and more than £100 raised so far. The total has been donated directly to the Disaster Emergency Committee and will provide shelter for four families.
On what motivated him to support to earthquake appeal, John said: “When I see other human beings suffering, especially children, it affects me deeply in such a way that I had a burning desire to help.
“I do not even recognise borders, I see humans just like me who have good days and bad, who experience feelings and emotions just like me. They feel pain and loss and I have felt it all.”
Meena said “I just want to end this note by thanking John for his support and the support of all those at Cygnet Oaks for donating to this appeal. We have made a real difference and it is appreciated!”
A huge well done to Meena, John and everyone at Cygnet Oaks who supported.