Armed forces veteran, 92, offers spare room to Syrian refugees

A 92-year-old armed forces veteran is hoping to inspire others to help Syrian refugees after offering his spare room to those fleeing the war-torn country.

John Spicer and his son Frank have joined some 100 people who have signed up to the website Homes for Syrians.

Many have posted pictures of their spare rooms on the website, which aims to match space in UK homes with Syrian refugees in need of shelter.

Speaking to The Independent, Frank Spicer said he and his father had decided to offer their spare room in Kent after seeing the images of Aylan Kurdi washed ashore in Turkey.

He said his father had helped refugees in what was then British-administrated Palestine at the end of the Second World War.

Mr Spicer said: "We’d like it to inspire other people. We want them to think that if a man of that age can bend over backwards to help people out, then why can’t they?”

Richard Moore said he was inspired to set up the Homes for Syrians website after realising the "scale of the problem" while on holiday in Greece.

Mr Moore said: "The site is different because it allows you to see pictures of the people and the houses they are offering and it makes the offer seem more real and welcoming.

"From the other side, being able to see pictures of actual Syrian refugees and families who have been passed by UK Border Control and are actively looking for somewhere to stay will enable householders (and potential householders) to engage on a more human level."

He added: "I hope that the Government can streamline the immigration process and increase the number of Syrian refugees (including families) it will allow into the country.

"There are plenty of people who are willing and can afford to host Syrian refugees in this country - I just hope the Government lets them do it."