On a cold Tuesday evening in March, almost 200 people gathered in the beautiful surrounds of the Westminster Synagogue to watch the inspiring film, ‘Nicky’s Family’.

The hall was filled with members of the synagogue and Refugee Council supporters who had all come eager to learn more about the life of this incredible man and the story of how, as a young man in 1939, he organised a kindertransport to rescue 669 Czech children from the path of the Nazis.

Sadly Sir Nicholas was unable to attend, but we were delighted to be joined by his son, Nick Winton, and Lord Dubs, a Labour Peer and one of the children rescued on Sir Nicholas’ Kindertransport.

The event aimed to raise awareness of the many children who still flee violence and conflict today, leaving homes and families to find sanctuary in this country. The new CEO of the Refugee Council, Maurice Wren, spoke about the work the Refugee Council’s Children’s Section does to support refugee children who have come here on their own. He said:

“The Refugee Council is committed to honouring the spirit of Sir Nicholas Winton’s noble achievements by ensuring that unaccompanied refugee children seeking sanctuary in the UK are treated as children first and refugees second. Our dedicated services ensure that the young people we see – separated from their families and coping with trauma of forced exile – are supported and enabled to stabilise and rebuild their lives in safety. It is only because of the commitment and generosity of our supporters and donors that we are able to continue much of this important work.”

To make a donation to support the work of the Refugee Council’s Children’s Section, please click here.