Let Tony Lola and Mireille stay!

[Sian Gasson]

Just over three years ago, Tony and Mireille arrived on our church school doorstep. Tony was 6 years old and had been brought over to Manchester for safety and to be back with his mum, Mireille. Tony has integrated well into church and school life, now speaks fluent English and sometimes teaches French to his classmates! They have been to New Wine North with the church a couple of times.

In February, the threat of deportation became very real, as Mireille and Tony were called into a centre for fingerprinting etc. More of their story can be found at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/tony-lola.html , where you can add your name and thoughts to a petition. A couple of weeks ago, Tony volunteered to pray aloud in a school assembly; the way in which he spoke to God, thanking Him for all He has given us was absolutely beautiful, moving many of us to tears.

Didsbury C of E Primary School choir have also recorded a song about how much they love Tony Lola and don't want him to leave - it has already been played on Granada Reports and local radio stations.

To hear the song, and to pick up recent updates on Mireille and Tony's situation, check out www.stjamesandemmanuel.org .

Thank you.