MIROSLAV and MAGDALENE

For Miroslav and Magdalene life has been unkind to say the least.

Arriving in Dover in 1996, they believed this to be the answer to their prayers.

A lifetime of persecution had led them to flee their homeland.

Accompanied by their four children, they travelled by bus and boat to reach the shores of Dover. They had no expectation of life in England, the knowledge their children would not have to endure their experience enough comfort.

They began to settle to life in Dover, the children were enrolled in school, their parents began English classes and the wheels of the asylum process put into motion.

The children thrived in school, from being unable to utter one word of English they quickly surpassed their parent's linguistic skills.

However, the feelings of security were to be surpassed by feelings of alienation bought about by the tabloid press's shouts of 'invasion' and 'scrounger', and the national front marches that took place.

They had no desire to be labelled in this way, they wished to be able to provide for their family and live without fear. The demonstrations began to look like remnants from home.

A decision to move to London was made.

London proved to be a very different experience from Dover, used to ethnic minorities the feelings of alienation disappeared. Employment was secured in a hotel and a new school found for the children. They quickly established new friends and again the process of settling down began.

Life appeared to be improving; however.

A fire was to change all of this.

The lives of the two youngest children were lost in this fire. A broken spine sustained by the eldest son from jumping from a fourth floor window. This fateful night had taken place in their Aunt's flat, she too died trying to save the children.

A year has passed since the fire and although the inquest brought in a verdict of accidental death, to Miroslav and Magdalene there is no real explanation. The question Why? still being asked.

Their eldest daughter has now married.

Their eldest son, after months in hospital, is able to walk for short distances, although he still has to spend several hours in a wheelchair.

Their youngest children's remains are scattered in a London graveyard.

Magdalene has their photographs near to the front door, she can speak to them whenever she enters or leaves the house and before she goes to bed at night. She still is not sleeping properly.

They have now been granted status, hopefully this will prove to be the turning point in their lives.

This Page was last updated: Wednesday, February 26, 2003 at 2:06:26 PM
This page was originally posted: 26/2/03; 1:58:26 pm.
Copyright 2004 Thanet Refugee Access