‘MY Journey to safety as a child refugee,’ is the title of a talk by Gulwali Passarlay at Winchester Discovery Centre on Thursday November 1, starting at 7.30pm.

Gulwali was invited to speak by Southampton and Winchester Visitors’ Group (SWVG), a local charity which supports destitute refugees, including children, living in Hampshire.

Gulwali was sent away from Afghanistan at the age of 12 by his mother to save his life after his father and grandfather were killed in a gun battle with the US Army. He made a 12-month trek across Europe, suffering hunger, making a terrifying journey across the Mediterranean in a tiny boat and enduring a desolate month in Calais. He was smuggled into Britain in the back of a refrigerated lorry, speaking virtually no English.

Hazel Still, from SWVG, said: “We are delighted Gulwali has accepted our invitation to speak. It should be a fascinating talk as he describes his journey to safety and new life here. Through his public speaking, Gulwali aims to help people understand the plight of refugees and asylum seekers.”

All profits from the talk will go to SWVG.

Tickets from Winchester Box Office: £10 and £5 for students www.hants.gov.uk/shop 01962 873603.