When Strength Wears a Mother’s Face — Our Journey with 5 Brave Women
Behind every single mother is a battle most of us will never fully understand.
At [Mumroot CIC], we don’t just offer help — we walk with these women through their storms. Through fear, through hunger, through silent tears. Every call we receive isn’t just a plea for help — it’s a heartbeat, a cry for safety, stability, and dignity.
These are not just case files. These are real lives, real pain, and real courage.
Here are five extraordinary women whose strength left us in awe — and whose journeys remind us why this mission matters.
1 Olivia – Birmingham
Raising a Daughter Alone Since 2021
When Olivia’s partner abandoned her and their 3-month-old baby, she was left sitting in a cold one-bedroom flat with an unpaid electricity bill and only formula left for one more day.
Her own parents had passed years ago. Her only friend moved abroad. Her baby had colic and cried most nights, while Olivia sat on the bathroom floor, trying not to scream into a towel so the neighbours wouldn’t hear.
She was skipping meals just to keep her baby fed — surviving on tea and crackers.
Her biggest fear? That social services would take her daughter away if she looked too weak.
How we helped:
- We stepped in with a 6-month emergency childcare grant so Olivia could return to work without risking her daughter’s safety.
- We helped her transition into a full-time retail position by arranging flexible care hours.
- Later, we offered 1-on-1 career mentoring, helped her write her CV, and even practiced interview skills over video calls.
Today, Olivia has moved into a safer flat, and her daughter has just started nursery. Olivia still texts us each month with photos of her baby girl. Her last message simply said:
“You saw me when I didn’t even see myself.”
2. Aisha – East London
Aisha fled with nothing but a backpack and her 4-year-old son in the dead of night — barefoot, terrified, and bruised. She knocked on the door of a women’s shelter that night with shaking hands. Her son clung to her, crying, thinking they were still being chased.
She had spent 7 years in an abusive marriage. Isolated, controlled, and constantly threatened. Every phone call monitored. Every movement watched.
When she finally escaped, she had no job history, no bank account, and no one she could trust.
How we helped:
- We provided immediate emergency housing so she didn’t have to return to the streets or shelter beds.
- We supplied essential clothing, toiletries, and food for her and her son.
- We connected her with a trauma therapist, ensuring she had someone to help her process the years of abuse.
- Our legal support team helped her secure permanent council housing and apply for benefits.
She now works part-time at a charity shop and volunteers once a week at a women’s centre. Her son is attending school regularly and smiles when we visit. Aisha recently told us:
“The first time I slept without fear was in the place you gave me.”
3. Hannah – Manchester
Lost Her Job During COVID – Raising Two Children Alone Since 2020
Before the pandemic, Hannah was doing okay. She worked at a travel agency, her children were in school, and she had just started saving for a better flat. Then lockdown hit. She was laid off, schools closed, and rent continued.
Her ex had stopped child support. Within months, she had sold her microwave and then her sofa. One night, she cried outside a food bank because she couldn’t believe this had become her life.
One of her children had asthma, and she couldn’t even afford the inhaler refill.
How we helped:
- We arranged weekly food and hygiene packages for three months.
- Helped her apply for Universal Credit, school meal programs, and utility assistance.
- We introduced her to our job-readiness program where she completed a 6-week online admin training course.
- We also covered her transport costs for job interviews and her kids’ medication.
Today, Hannah works full-time at a property office. Her kids are back in school. They have a dinner table again.
She told us:
“You didn’t just feed us. You gave me a reason to fight again.”
4. Grace – Glasgow
Nursing Student & Full-Time Mum Since 2021
Grace was a second-year nursing student when she discovered she was pregnant. Her partner left, saying he wasn’t ready to be a father. She thought about quitting school, but said something that broke us:
“If I give up now, I’m telling my son he was a mistake. I won’t do that.”
She tried to study while working night shifts at a local café and looking after her son during the day. She walked to class for an hour with a buggy and textbooks every morning.
She fell asleep during lectures. Failed two modules. She almost quit.
How we helped:
- We provided a monthly financial grant to cover childcare and transport.
- Donated a second-hand laptop for her coursework and Zoom classes.
- Paired her with a retired midwife who became her mentor and emotional support.
- Helped her access housing benefits and proper student finance.
Today, Grace is in her final year of nursing. She’s on track to graduate next spring. Her son just turned 2. She calls him her “miracle and motivation.”
5. Sophia – Bristol
Fighting Alone Since 2019
Sophia dreamed of being a graphic designer. After giving birth, her partner left, saying he wasn’t “built to be a father.” Sophia stayed up every night designing flyers and logos for £5 each while caring for her newborn during the day.
She didn’t have money for nappies. Her baby slept wrapped in towels some nights. She once said,
“I felt like I was disappearing. Like I was becoming invisible.”
How we helped:
- We created a professional brand identity and website for her design business.
- Gave her 1-on-1 social media and online marketing training
- Paid for a 3-month Instagram ad campaign to promote her work
- Helped her apply for business grants and connected her to a mum-led small business network
Now, Sophia has consistent clients. She made her first £1,000 week earlier this year. She’s even mentoring another single mother who just started freelancing.
💬 Why We Keep Going
Every time we hear “thank you,” we remind ourselves — this isn’t charity. This is justice. This is dignity.
We don’t just support mothers — we support hope, survival, and dreams that refuse to die.
If you believe in these women…
If you believe in second chances…
If you believe that no mother should face life alone —
📩 Reach out to refer a mother in need
💖 Donate, share, or volunteer
🌐 Visit us: [Mumroot]
