There are certain times of the year when the absence of someone you love feels that little bit heavier. For our family, we’re entering one of those periods now.
November brings Mum’s birthday, followed by Craig’s at the beginning of December. Two occasions that should be filled with celebration, laughter, phone calls and family. Instead, we’re faced with the reality that another set of birthdays will pass with them thousands of miles from home.
It’s not just about the big occasions, but all the little traditions, conversations and moments that make birthdays special. The things you never imagine having to miss until suddenly they’re no longer possible.
But alongside that sadness, something else has been growing. Our determination. And importantly, the strength of the case we’re making for their freedom.
Since meeting with the Foreign Secretary on 27th October, we’ve had a further meeting with the Foreign Office. We’re still awaiting a response to the proposals we put directly to him, and while I remain encouraged by the engagement, I am increasingly convinced that the arguments supporting our requests are becoming harder to ignore.
We are challenging the decisions being made, asking questions that deserve answers, and putting forward a clear case for why more can and should be done. This isn’t about criticism for the sake of it. It’s about ensuring every possible avenue is properly considered when two people’s freedom is at stake.
We’ve also received confirmation of a consular visit scheduled for 16th November. This is welcome news, and we hope it will provide some reassurance about Mum and Craig’s welfare. We continue to follow the wider geopolitical situation closely too, hopeful that diplomacy, negotiations and peace can prevail.
And as we approach December, we’re preparing for something important.
On 9th December, a motorbike ride-out will bring people together in London, followed by another delivery of our petition to Number 10 Downing Street.
I find it extraordinary that people are willing to give their time, travel and stand alongside us for two people many have never met. But that is the power of this campaign. It has become about more than our family. It’s about compassion, solidarity and the belief that when something is wrong, we shouldn’t simply look the other way.
Our petition has now reached 110,500 signatures. Every single one represents someone choosing to care, and every event like this ensures those voices continue to be heard.
If you’d like to join us on 9th December, whether you’re riding or coming to show your support, you can find the event & GoFundMe details here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/free-lindsay-and-craig
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/motorbike-ride-outs-4887406/
I often think about what Mum and Craig would make of all this. The people we’ve met, the friendships formed, the generosity shown and the extraordinary lengths complete strangers have gone to in support of them.
I think they’d be incredibly moved.
Of course, I’d give anything for them not to need any of it and for our biggest concern this November to be what to get Mum for her birthday, or how we might celebrate Craig’s.
But that’s not where we are.
So we keep going. Not because it’s easy, and not because we’re somehow unaffected by the passing of time, but because every day brings another opportunity to make a difference.
Visibility matters. Resilience matters. Challenging injustice matters. And the arguments we are making today are stronger than those we were making yesterday.
Thank you for continuing to stand alongside us. You are helping us turn what could so easily feel like helplessness into something purposeful.
We are still hopeful. We are still determined.
Joe