I never thought I’d have to do this, but I have no choice.

My mum is the strongest woman I know. She is a single mother raising 6. children in Scotland, and she has given up everything for us. She works until her body gives out, yet she never complains. But right now, she is drowning, and I can’t bear to watch her suffer anymore.

She left behind a life of hardship and struggle, trying to build a better future for us. But now, we are barely surviving. She works as a house cleaner despite suffering from chronic pain, asthma, and severe back and foot problems. She earns just enough to scrape by, and even then, it’s not always enough.

She even has to take my 7-month-old baby brother with her to work because there’s no one else to care for him. Imagine scrubbing floors, cleaning strangers’ homes, lifting heavy things—breaking your back—all while carrying a baby. She comes home exhausted, in pain, barely able to stand, but still, she puts us first. Always.

My 6-year-old sister doesn’t understand why things are so hard, why mum is always tired, why we have to go without things other children have. And as much as my mum tries to shield us from her struggles, I see it. I see the exhaustion in her eyes. I see her breaking down when she thinks no one is watching.

On top of this, she is drowning in debt—tens of thousands of pounds she borrowed for my father, believing in his promises. Now, the people she borrowed from won’t stop harassing her, calling her day and night, demanding their money back. She has no way to escape.

I try to help. I work while studying, doing everything I can, but it’s never enough. I can barely put food on the table for us, especially during Ramadan. I can’t afford to get my siblings new clothes for Eid, or even take them to the mosque to experience the joy of this special time. The normal things that should bring happiness to children feel out of reach, and it breaks my heart.

But my mum still dreams. She dreams of giving my younger siblings a better life, of finally having a moment to breathe. And deep in her heart, she holds onto one wish—she wants to go to Umrah and Hajj, to finally find peace after everything she has endured.

I have watched my mum be let down by so many people. She has asked for help before, and instead of kindness, she has been met with betrayal. But this time, I am asking for her. I am begging for her. Please, if you can, help my mum.

This Ramadan, even the smallest donation could change our lives. It could help us afford food, clear some of her debts, and finally give her the peace she deserves. And if you can’t donate, please, please share this. Because maybe, just maybe, someone out there will hear our story and want to help.

May Allah bless you for your kindness, and may He reward you for any good you do.