My name is Sara Silva, and I’m writing this with a heavy heart because my family in Portugal is facing a crisis that I feel powerless to stop.

My parents live in Marinha Grande, where my father has worked hard to run a small bakery, "Silva & Ribeirinho", that has supported our entire family and the community around us for over 20 years.

Recently, our hometown was hit by Storm Kistrin, which caused damage across the area. My father’s bakery suffered roof leaks and structural damage from the storm.

The damage itself was repairable. My father was already preparing to fix it, but before he had a chance, ASAE (Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica) inspectors visited twice and forced the bakery to close for restoration due to storm damage.

For a small family business, being forced to close even temporarily is devastating. The bakery is now our family's only source of income as the market was wiped out during the storm.

At the same time, my mother has been going through an incredibly difficult medical situation.

Last year, she had to undergo two hip replacement surgeries because the prosthetic failed and came loose twice. Due to the long waiting times in the public health care system and the risk of permanent damage to her leg, my parents were forced to pay for private medical treatment.

Those surgeries left them with large medical debts.

My mother is currently disabled and recovering, yet despite her own pain, she is still the only person caring for my grandmother, who suffers from severe dementia and requires constant supervision. They cannot afford professional care or a care home, so my mother carries that responsibility alone.

(older picture to preserve their dignity)

With the bakery closed, medical debt piling up, and no stable income, my parents are now at risk of losing their home.

I am currently living in the UK with my newborn baby, and it breaks my heart that I cannot do more to help them directly. Watching from afar while my family struggles like this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.

That is why I’m asking for help.

This fundraiser aims to raise up to £50,000 to help:

• Help my parents pay the bills while the bakery is closed

• Provide 24/7 professional support for my grandmother’s care while they dedicate their time to reopening the business as fast as possible

My parents have always worked hard and never asked anyone for help. But right now, they are facing more than any family should have to carry alone.

If you can donate, even a small amount, it could make an enormous difference in helping my family recover and rebuild their lives.

If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you can give.

P.S.: Please check this fundraiser posts for extra information.