Elena fled to London from Egypt with her 5-year-old daughter Mandy to escape her husband who would abuse Elena and also sexually abused Mandy. After seeking refuge in her aunt's house, Elena remarried but soon found herself in another abusive relationship.

Elena was forced to run away again, this time to a refuge where she thought they would be safe. For Mandy, however, problems persisted. She was abused by an older child and was diagnosed with diabetes after fainting one day

"She was also being bullied at school. Girls sent her text messages saying 'I hope you die' and 'You are so fat'. She would cry for hours. She told me, 'I don’t want to live. Everyone hates me. They only like me at Solidarity Sports."

Leaving the refuge, Elena and Mandy were moved to temporary accommodation in Ealing. However the living standards we so poor, Solidarity Sports arranged for the council to conduct tests. It was found not to be safe, so they were moved into a hotel, where Mandy had a bad diabetic attack and spent three days in a coma. Eventually they were moved into another flat, which was no better than their previous home.

"It was filthy, with syringes, vermin and piles of litter. The flat was covered in mould and a pipe was leaking. The flat above was used for prostitution and the noise kept Mandy up at night. One day she was almost raped in the alleyway. After Mandy was attacked, she had night terrors. I knew we had to leave again. I told the council but they said I had to wait 12 years.”

We contacted the housing association and the council to make them aware of the urgency of the situation. However, Elena and Mandy were still not rehoused. We then contacted the local MP. After countless emails, phone calls and meetings, they were finally offered another flat. It's still temporary accommodation, but the flat is clean and safe.

"Thank you so much, I don't know what I would do in my life without you. You are angels. I am so happy with my new flat. My nightmare is over.

I have found real friends at Solidarity Sports and gone to places I never imagined I would. My favourite moment was when you visited me in hospital. I was so happy that someone actually cared about me."

Elena is now studying at NOVA Charity to improve her English and basic skills with a view to getting a job. Mandy regularly takes part in Solidarity Sports trips away