The Eden community has raised money and awareness for the people of Afghanistan following the crisis that has gripped a nation more than 3,500 miles away.
After a hurried withdrawal by US-allied troops, the Islamist militant faction known as the Taliban swept across Afghanistan prompting refugees to scramble for an escape and leaving question marks over the futures of those who remained.
This has led to many Cumbrians lending their support to the Afghan people as the crisis develops.
Award-winning author and farmer James Rebanks and his wife Helen held three small fundraising events at their Matterdale farm for the Turquoise Mountain Trust.
Helen said: “We are heartbroken for the people of Afghanistan”.
The charity was founded by former Penrith and the Border MP, Rory Stewart along with Prince Charles and then Afghan president, Hamid Karzai.
The charity blends education, enterprise and heritage preservation to revive artisan industries and regenerate towns across Afghanistan.
Mr Stewart said he had been “completely absorbed in trying to evacuate staff from Kabul” this week, as well as fundraising for the splintering nation and providing analysis of unfolding events.
He added: “This is the most terrifying time in Afghanistan but there are still very positive human stories and this kind of support gets through to individual lives in terms of healthcare, in terms of supporting people’s education and just getting food on tables at a time when people are terrified and feel betrayed.”
So far, the fundraising effort has garnered more than £200,000 in a week. To donate, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/afghanistanappeal
An expert on the country, Mr Stewart took leave from the Foreign Service to walk across Asia, which culminated in a 36-day walk across Afghanistan alone in the early months of 2002.
The experience became the subject of his 2004 book, The Places in Between, which went on to win numerous awards and be translated into nine languages. Brad Pitt reportedly holds the film rights.
Closer to home the Penrith and Eden Refugee network continue to raise awareness and campaign on behalf of Afghans seeking shelter in the UK.
Sarah Wilson, chairwoman of the organisation, said: “Local people want refugees living in their community and can be relied upon to offer a welcome, friendship and of course we have an acute shortage of people to work in Cumbria in hospitality, care jobs and local factories.
“There is a long British tradition of welcoming refugees to the UK and giving them a chance to build a new life.
“We are therefore shocked that whilst seeking a solution to the crisis in Afghanistan this government is progressing the introduction of the Nationality and Borders Bill which will prevent people seeking asylum in the UK and deny those who are waiting for a claim to be heard the means to live a dignified life.”
To support the group visit www.penrithandedenrefugeenetwork.org
