My idea was born many years ago.

As a child, I watched my father help others. He was very generous with his community—providing food, supporting families, and fighting for people to have access to land. He was always there for those in need. At that time, I didn’t understand him. I even judged him, feeling that he was taking from us to give to others. But over time, I came to understand that he had a special heart, and he planted something in me that would grow later in life.

As an adult in this country, I went through extremely difficult experiences. I faced three deportation attempts. During the last one, I was humiliated, and they tried to take my children away from me to force me onto a plane. It was one of the most painful moments of my life. Yet, during that time, I also met what I call “angels”—people that God placed in my path when I needed them most. First, someone who treated me with respect and gave me reassurance in a moment of fear. Then, in detention, I met a volunteer named Elein, who visited weekly and brought items for the children. She became a crucial part of our lives. Later, at court, a judge granted my release on a £1 bail, which was paid by another person God placed in my path. I left with my four children, carrying only three black bags, with nowhere to go. I was crying, lost, and overwhelmed with pain. But once again, that “angel” appeared, reassured me, and arranged support—food, a hotel, and immediate help. Lawyers also came forward—people I had never met—who actively sought me out to support my case. Throughout the process, neighbours and many individuals, even strangers, stood by me and supported my family.

It was at that moment that I made a promise to God and to myself: that as long as I could, I would help others. Since 2005, I have kept that promise. I have supported vulnerable women and families within the Latin community. I have opened my home to those in need, offering temporary shelter until they could find stable housing. I have supported people directly from my home, providing guidance, practical help, and emotional support. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on my health, leaving me with ongoing conditions, I have continued helping others. Even with my health conditions and as the years have passed, I have not stopped. I decided to prepare myself academically so I could help others better. I studied in college and I am now at university level studying Psychology, with the purpose of supporting people emotionally and mentally. Despite my condition and my age, I continue fighting, learning, and moving forward with faith. This is why this project was created. This Free Shop is not just an idea—it is the result of a lifetime of experiences, pain, faith, and love for others. It is also inspired by the incredible work of Maya’s Free Shop, which I see as a powerful example to follow.

This is what I am passionate about. I want to create a space where people can receive support with dignity, respect, and real care. I truly believe that with support, this vision can become a reality—because just as I was helped, I now want to be that support for others.