Mother's Children Abucted, let's get them back!

Hi my name is Deborah and I'm fundraising for a friend of mine here's her story in her own words.

"I'm a UK-born Muslim revert of 3 years, currently living in France, where I have lived with my children for the last 9 years.

This August my ex-husband kidnapped my children (daughter age 12 and son age 9) from our home in France during an agreed visit. He came to visit them on holiday, as he had for many years previously, and while I was out he packed up their belongings and left. Unbeknownst to me, he had obtained UK passports for them behind my back.

I used a private detective to locate my children, who were found living at an address in Kent.

My ex-husband made an application to the County Court in October to have my parental responsibility removed, and due to a lack of funds, I had to represent myself in this court case. Alhamdulliah the judge did not remove my rights, and was extremely angry and frustrated with my ex, stating he should return the children immediately to France. However, since the County Court does not have the power to enforce this, my ex refused and still has the children with him.

I then tried to make an application to the High Court but was unable to do so without a solicitor, so alhamdulillah I appointed one, and she has made the application on my behalf.

I am normally self-employed, and I am usually more than capable of providing for myself and my children mashaAllah, but this situation has caused me great distress and I have been forced to take time away from work.

My ex-husband and I were married for 20 years, during which he was violent and controlling. His abuse is not limited to me, five years ago he was arrested for assaulting his own mother. I know very well that he is not capable of being a good parent to our children. My son has 2 long-term medical conditions that his father has no experience or knowledge of managing, which is putting my son's health at risk.

I believe that becoming Muslim is the reason he has abducted my children. He ascribes to a extreme Christian Church, and is very much anti-Islam, as are members of my own family. At first, they tolerated my conversion, but when I started wearing the hijab last October they all cut ties with me. It was shortly after this that my children were taken.

I am a very independent woman and it is very difficult for me to reach out like this and ask for help from my brothers and sisters, but I have no other recourse. I am tired beyond words, I can't think or eat properly. I have been unable to work and as such, I have had to use my savings for legal fees and living expenses while this goes on.

So for the sake of my children, I must reach out. I am worried that when the case goes to court, the judge will ask about my financial situation and it now looks very bad, as I have been focusing so much on the case to have my children returned inshaAllah. I hope that my brothers and sisters in Islam will be able to help me to cover the remaining legal fees and expenses so I can show the judge I am capable of supporting my children, as I always have done until now alhamdulillah.

Even if you can only contribute a small amount, every penny will help. And please share my story with others. May Allah SWT reward you without measure. Barakallahoufik"

All funds will go into my personal bank account which has been set aside for financial aid for her and will be used to pay the remaining legal fees and expenses.

Every little helps, I hope you can show your support.

Xxx

Thank You

Deborah