Today, 27 November, marks another birthday for Lindsay Foreman—beloved mother, wife, friend and a woman remembered by all who know her as a blaze of colour, kindness, curiosity and joy. But instead of the laughter, music and gatherings she has always conjured so effortlessly, Lindsay spends this birthday in an Iranian prison. She is separated not only from her husband Craig—also detained—but from her children, friends and the community she has spent her life nurturing.

Please talk about their plight, forward this email, ask others to sign this petition, donate to support the campaign, or share their story in any way you choose.

Today Joe wrote a poignant letter to his mother that no son should ever have to write and which we would like to share with you. 

Mum,
Today is your birthday. And it breaks my heart to even write this, knowing you’ll spend it alone in a cell, instead of surrounded by the people who love you.
Birthdays are supposed to mark time, but this year, it only reminds me of everything time has taken from us.

Over 300 days without you.
Over 300 days stolen. Moments we’ll never get back, a year of life you should have lived, not endured.

I keep thinking about the little things, the messages we’d usually send, the jokes, the calls, the plans. All of it paused. All of it held hostage along with you and Craig. And I hate that this is your reality. I hate that I can’t protect you from it. I hate that your birthday has become another reminder of how wrong this all is.

When I spoke to you recently, that tiny 20-minute call, only the second call in 300 days, I heard the strength in your voice, but also the weight. You’re tired. You’re scared. And yet you’re still fighting in ways most people will never understand.

You’re still you. And that both inspires me and breaks me.

Mum, if I could give you one thing for your birthday, it would be time. Time back. Time restored. Time you were robbed of. Time with the people who love you. Time outside of fear.

But the only gift I can give you right now is the promise that I won’t stop fighting for you. Not quietly. Not politely. Not patiently. Every day you’re in there is another day stolen, and I’m not willing to lose another one.

To anyone reading this:
My mum is spending her birthday in a prison cell for something she didn’t do.
Craig is, too.
They are losing time they can never get back.
If this was your family, you would never accept it. So please, stand with us. Help us bring them home before another birthday passes like this.

Mum, I love you. I miss you. And I’m doing everything in my power to make sure this is the last birthday you ever spend without us.

Love now and always,
Joe