Dear Supporter,

This is a mountainous country, very barren and harsh, with few trees. Temperatures of -25C are not uncommon. People here are amongst the poorest in the world, and after three years of drought, many were in serious difficulties even before winter struck.

Being exposed to such severe cold feels very strange, not what I expected at all. At first your ears hurt, but after a couple of minutes you don’t feel any pain - that’s when you must remember the danger and do something to protect yourself. Yet physical exertion can be agonising.

Once our truck got stuck and we had to dig it out. After just 2 minutes my lungs felt as if they were filled with little needles. It hurt so much I had to stop.

Fortunately I was well-equipped and help was at hand, but can you imagine what it’s like to have to face such cold without proper clothing or decent food? Especially when there’s no reliable power supply, and winter lasts well into May. I know from first-hand experience that we are virtually the only hope for many thousands of people - that’s why it’s so important that the Human Warmth appeal is a success. I hope you can help.

Miro Modrusan
British Red Cross delegate, Tajikistan