Imagine going into labour in a room with nine women and only five beds… and a pigeon crawling out from under your bed.

That’s what my dear friend is facing in Albania right now. Last night she was in a state hospital, with toilets that are unusable and women labouring shoulder to shoulder.

No one should have to bring life into the world in these conditions. I know we can't help everyone but let's help her.

Here’s the deal: she can move to a private hospital where she will be safe and supported and her husband can be present. But she can’t afford it. So I’ve told her to go anyway — because together, we can make sure she isn’t alone in this.

I’m asking for your help. Please — whatever you can give. Don’t buy that coffee today. Send the cost instead. A few pounds, a tenner — it all adds up.

Every single donation means she’s one step closer to a safe birth. Let’s do this together.

If your generosity means we raise more than we need, we can also enable her husband to have some paternity leave because he isn't eligible for any.

Thank you, Freya xx

5/9/25 UPDATE...the baby arrived (beautiful little girl) safely & smoothly in the private hospital with her husband present to support and not a pigeon in sight! but they are now faced with a hefty bill xx