Syrian refugee's letter of thanks for Taunton Deane's welcome

Mr H, his wife and their children were the first of two vulnerable Syrian families to be housed in Taunton Deane after escaping their war-torn homeland.

In a letter of thanks, Mr H speaks of his delight at the way they have been welcomed to this "tender/loving" country.

He explains how they were flown from Kurdistan to Bristol, where they were received by "delegates from the British community".

"They gave us a generous and beautiful reception that I have never witnessed in my life," writes Mr H.

"They had toys for my children and held a banner with my first and second names...we were totally pleased with this unique reception.

"They led us to the van and headed to where we will be residing 'Taunton'.

"On the way, the lovely 'tender' Gill was hugging my children...until we reached our home, where also very kind people were awaiting us."

When they walked into their second-floor flat, there were "all sorts of food, electric goods and toys".

Mr H's letter of thanks.

He writes: "I would like to thank the UN and the UK for providing refuge for me and my family and for treating my wife.

"This beautiful kindness will remain with me until my end."

He adds: "May I also thank the lovely 'tender/loving' UK and inshallah I hope we won't let them down.

"We will serve this country and its people, whom we will be sharing their bread, faithfully.

"Lastly, I wish my children a promising future in this loving country."

CHARIS, a Taunton charity, has been established by three churches to privately bring over another vulnerable Syrian family in January.

The Rev Rod Corke, vicar of St Mary Magdalene, which is running the initiative with Vineyard and Creech St Michael churches assisted by Taunton Deane Borough Council, was touched by Mr H's letter.

The Rev Rod Corke.

"It moved me to tears," said Mr Corke.

"This man has had a really traumatic life and it's good he's getting some safety and security here.

"The Government has agreed to bring over 20,000 vulnerable Syrian refugees and the churches in Taunton are working together to see if we can do the same in private accommodation.

"We've already had offers of housing from the Christian community to help these people who are running away from a civil war and have had their houses burned down."

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “We are extremely pleased to hear that this family is settling in so well in Somerset.

“We would like to thank the many generous and helpful community groups which have offered help.

"A lot of different organisations have come together to support their arrival and settling in process, and we are delighted that Somerset is doing its bit for these families in need.”