Help Us Build a New Life in Greece: A Family’s Journey Home

Our Story

There’s a kind of homesickness that doesn’t go away — even when life moves forward. I’ve carried it for years. Now, with my partner Tomiwa and our daughter Leonora, I’m listening to what it’s been trying to tell me: it’s time to go home.

We’re asking for your help to make that possible — to help us return to the place where healing, family, and a new beginning are waiting.

I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Crete, Greece — a place full of sunshine, music, and community spirit.

Ten years ago, I left Greece after the economic collapse, chasing the dream of a better life in the UK. I worked hard, built a life, and eventually met Tomiwa — the love of my life. Together, we welcomed our daughter Leonora, our brightest light, born in March 2024.

Both Tomiwa and I come from humble beginnings. Our families have always offered love and encouragement, but financially, the road has never been easy. We know the meaning of hard work. We know what it means to fight for a better life.

Meanwhile, life in London — already demanding — became almost impossible.

The UK’s cost of living crisis has hit families like ours the hardest. Rent, bills, childcare, and basic groceries have skyrocketed. Even with two people working, survival has become a constant uphill battle. And for those who lose work, there is simply no safety net.

In June 2024, Tomiwa was made redundant from his job. He spent the entire summer applying for countless roles, preparing presentations, and attending interviews — working tirelessly to get us back on our feet. In August, his hard work paid off: he was offered a corporate role that would have allowed us to continue living in London comfortably.

But due to an administrative error — completely outside of his control — the job offer was withdrawn.

The news came just as we were returning from a deeply meaningful trip to Greece.

It wasn’t just a holiday. It was the first time my family met our newborn daughter and my partner Tomiwa.

It’s important to share that before this trip, Tomiwa had never travelled outside the UK. His whole life had been lived in one place, limited by circumstances.

Thanks to the support of one of my relatives, we were able to obtain his first-ever passport — giving him the freedom to finally experience more of life.

For the first time, Tomiwa experienced my world. He breathed the clean air, walked the same hills I grew up on, and met my family. His entire energy shifted. It was like a light had turned on inside him. For both of us, it was undeniable: this is where we’re meant to be.

Those weeks in Greece were filled with love, hope, and the realization that this — family, connection, belonging — is what we had been missing all along.

But when we returned to London, reality hit hard. We came back to our rented flat only to find mould growing in both our bedroom and our baby's room.

With no savings left, no job, and now an unsafe home, we had no choice but to leave and turn to family for help.

Tomiwa began working as a delivery driver, waking at 4:30 AM, coming home late, and earning barely enough to keep us going. Despite his efforts, it simply wasn’t sustainable.

This is the reality for so many families in the UK today. People are working harder than ever, and yet falling further behind. The system simply isn’t working.

Today, we live in temporary accommodation provided by a UK Council, but we’ve just been informed that we must leave within two months.

We are now facing an urgent need to relocate.

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Why Greece?

Because Greece means family. It means sun, air, healing. It means connection. My parents, my brothers — they’re waiting with open arms. Our daughter deserves to know them, to grow in their warmth. And I… I deserve to breathe again.

I live with Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that is worsened by cold, stress, and isolation. In Greece, I can heal — not just physically, but spiritually. And Tomiwa, for the first time in his life, can dream. He can expand. He can become.

This isn’t just about escaping a broken system.

This is about choosing life.

For me personally, this move is more than just a relocation — it is a lifeline.

We dream of raising Leonora in a safe, peaceful environment, surrounded by nature, sunshine, and a village of support.

We want her to grow up with freedom, joy, and belonging.

Of course, moving back presents challenges. The Greek economy is still struggling.

Jobs are scarce, wages are low, and surviving often means multiple generations living under one roof.

We don’t want to relocate only to end up trapped again in financial hardship.

But our vision is not just to survive.

We are hardworking, creative, and passionate about creating a life of dignity, stability, and hope.

We are determined to build a strong, independent foundation for our family’s future.

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How Your Support Will Help

We are seeking help to cover:

• Relocation costs (moving company for belongings)

• Flat deposit and a few months’ rent

If we exceed our basic goal, additional funds would help us:

• Secure a reliable car for work and family life

• Invest in small business opportunities or remote work tools

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Your kindness can help turn our greatest challenge into our greatest blessing. Thank you for believing in us.

With endless love and gratitude,

Eleni, Tomiwa, and Leonora

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