My name is Susan Hyder Karim. I was born in Iraq more than half a century ago. The last time I saw my father was on the 29th July 1980. We fled the country in search of a safer place and a better future, which we have. Although I am (51) losing my father has given me a horrible feeling and a huge amount of anxiety. There is a big black and empty hole in my heart and a severe pain in my thought that any quantity of tears is unable to wash away. Since his death I have never felt so helpless and so lonely but I have a roof over my head and plenty to eat. Can any of us imagine however how it feels to the children whose country was bombed in 1991? They suffered inhumane global sanctions for 12 years. During this time, the bombing continued. A merciless and illegal war was waged against them. To add to this, more than three decades of a brutal regime supported by the West, took its toll on every one of its citizens.

The population of that country now suffers illness, poverty, deprivation, a huge feeling of injustice and most of all thousands of , sick, mutilated and orphaned children.

All these orphans are the future of Iraq; they are part of the generation that will build our world.

I have a dream
My dream is to help house as many Iraqi orphans as I can, to help them to put the past behind, to take them by the hands to safety, to give them hope.

I have a pledge.
My pledge to each and every one of you is to help those innocent victims. Look into your eyes and see theirs, wish for them some of what you wish for yours.

You can Help
To help raise funds, I have pledged to start walking around mid Saturday 18th of October from the town hall Dundee. I will cross the Tay Bridge and walk towards the Scottish Parliament arriving in Edinburgh by Wednesday 27th October. I hope to pass as many towns and villages gathering as many walkers as possible with the aim of raising £100 000.

They say when there is a will there is a way. £100 000 is a lot of money but how can you put a price on hope? I have the will and with your help and support we can make a real difference.

So please help me and may God be with us every step of the way.

Sincerely yours

Susan Hyder Karim

Contact 07944652815 or email susan@sce.eu.com