Maria is mum of the Month - congratulations!

Hi Maria! First of all, congratulations on being Mum-of-the-month!

You have just done something totally A-MAZ-ING! Please share your story as I know everyone would love to hear about it!

I had been following the refugee crisis for months and was shocked at the appalling lack of response from our government. My friends and I decided to organise a trip to Calais to deliver supplies, as well as sending baby supplies to Kos.

We set up a gofundme hoping to raise 200 pounds to cover our costs. The fund stands at nearly 2,500 pounds donated! We were able to use the funds to buy 20 brand new tents, and the amazing team at Decathlon gave us a great discount, along with several free tents. We also held a drop off morning and received clothes, tents, nappies and shoes. The response has been overwhelming and just shows the amazing compassion of British people.

We travelled to Calais last weekend. The conditions there are terrible and the people have nothing. Many have injuries from attempting to jump onto trains and lorries, trying to escape to a better life. Everyone I met without exception was from a war torn country - I found the situation utterly horrifying.

You’re a mum of how many kiddies? Tell me a little about your family life please! 

My partner Justin and I have an 18 month old boy called Arthur who was born in New Zealand, where I lived for 6 years. We decided to move to the UK in June this year. Justin is a Kiwi so it has been quite an adjustment for him moving here but we are very happily living in Woodhouse Eaves which is quite possibly the friendliest village around!

 

What aspects of motherhood do you most enjoy?

I love dancing, laughing and singing with Arthur, all the outdoor walks we do and snuggles in the morning and at bedtime (and inbetween!). I absolutely love motherhood – I think sometimes you only hear about the bad bits from other people but I am happier than I have ever been.

 

And the not-such-fun bits?

I have never been a massive fan of cooking so have had to up my game on that part – I can’t say I am actually ‘enjoying’ it yet but I am trying my best.

 

Are you into fitness and if so what sort of exercise do you do?

Before having Arthur I was a huge fan of running and also yoga. I haven’t quite managed to get back into the swing of things with running yet but hopefully with Jo’s help I will be back on track soon.

 

Are you into healthy eating? What’s your all-time favourite dish?

Yes I am – I am a vegetarian and absolutely love trying new foods and flavours. However you can’t beat a good old vegetarian lasagne – my other half makes a great one.

 

Have you got any more SuperMum plans up your sleeve? What’s the next challenge?

We intended for Calais to be a one-off mission but having been down there and seen the conditions people are living in there is no way I could just return to my normal life and forget about it. So we are planning to go back in November with more supplies but also to stay a few days and volunteer which is something that is desperately needed right now, especially as more people arrive at the camp every day. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see children and young people there, sometimes unaccompanied, and we really want to help as much as we can.

We need help fundraising and gathering donations, as well as hands on deck for the trip. Anyone who wants to join us can email me at marialillybagnall@gmail.com – we’d love to have more help. Alternatively you can donate to www.gofundme.com/suppliesrefugees - I guarantee you your donation will make a difference to someone’s life directly.

 

Finally, we all need a bit of “me time” when we’re mums. What’s your favourite “mummy me time” activity?

This is so sad – but I love to have a bath, put my pyjamas on and watch Coronation Street with some tea and a chocolate biscuit. Ok - and sometimes with a wine.