Like many Chechens, we fled to the neighbouring republic of Ingushetia to the Sputnik refugee camp, where we were given a small tent. We lived in it until May of 2003 when, because of a gas explosion, it caught fire and all our documents, food stores, and clothes were destroyed with it.

We have a new tent now, but we are still in need of the other things. We have no problems with electricity and water, but as for food it’s a pity to say that it is not enough. For me, my husband and our eight children, the basic ration is bread, tea and sometimes simply water. So we try to make ends meet.

 Sometimes my youngest son cries from hunger and I have nothing to give him and it tears my soul apart. On a typical day, I bake a little bread, then we have breakfast, do our housework and for the rest of the day we think what to do and how to live.

Though the circumstances we live in are very difficult, it is better to live here than in Chechnya. I think it would take security and availability of jobs to encourage people to go back to their homes, and I hope it will be very soon.

I want to say that I feel the care of Islamic Relief. There are people in your organization who pay attention to our pain and suffering. I shall never forget these people or the name of Islamic Relief, which has brought relief during the most terrible hardship we have ever faced in our lives. I wish the organization welfare and prosperity, and the people of Great Britain all the best from all my heart.