Why the march for refugees mattered

Save the Children Community Champion, Summer (pictured below), shares her experience of the 17 September march in support of refugees in London

The scene is set. We’re at a sign meeting at the Joy of Life Fountain in Hyde Park and we’re filled with hope.

Many campaigners from Save the Children join us, busy making placards with messages of strength frantically with markers and Sharpie pens.

We spot familiar faces, and it’s reassuring to be surrounded by like-minded people.

I hug my sister and although there’s a chill in the air we soon warm up. We know we have the chance to make history today as we join the other thousands standing together with refugees.

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Compassion is key

We’ve seen refugees rejected so many times recently, but that just makes us act with compassion. And days like today are a reminder of what is best in each and every one of us. We all have it!

We will not let politics stand in the way of our humanity. We know that public pressure can make a difference.

Fuelled with snacks (thanks mum) we carry on. While we’re talking to other marchers, we find that many are impressed to see children here today.

This is a comment that always puzzles me. Why wouldn’t we be here?  Everyone should be to attending events like this to show solidarity.

Famous faces

We reach Parliament Square as the speakers take to the stage. They include Lord Dubs, himself a former refugee (who remembered us after we’d met at a recent parliamentary reception), along with actors Vanessa Redgrave, Juliet Stevenson and Douglas Booth.

The P.A. system is so loud that we hope the noise we are creating today can be heard throughout the Houses of Parliament. These are the people who need to listen.

They all speak so magnificently, showing support for an issue that is so important.

A moving story

One story stands out. We hear from a little boy who’s only about seven years old. When he was trapped in a lorry during his journey, his fast thinking, using his mobile phone to call for help saved the lives of many.

How brave is he? He thanks us for our love. We feel sad.

All we want to do is show the world that the UK is committed to making sure children and their families are safe despite the chaos of war. It is now more vital than ever that we take this extra step to truly protect them.

We hope everyone will write to their MPs, local councils – even our Foreign Secretary.

You can join my sister and me to tell Theresa May that we want the UK to keep their promises and DO MORE to share responsibility for child refugees.

We must do everything possible to raise awareness, stand up against the voices of intolerance, and show the government and our leaders that we care.

Add your voice to ours: together, we can change tomorrow.

Inspired by Summer’s story? Add your voice to our call for a New Deal for Refugees