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In May 2018, British customs and border officers at Dover port, Kent, England, stopped the car of 20-year-old Andrei Iancu from Romania for inspection. They searched the trunk and discovered a human arm protruding from a suitcase inside.
Dover Port is the British port closest to France and mainland Europe.
The victim, Phong, who was only 16 years old at the time, was rescued and immediately taken to the hospital in critical condition. After six days in the hospital, Phong gradually recovered and was transferred to a Kent County child and adolescent care facility.
The driver, Iancu, later pleaded guilty to illegally bringing people into the UK and was sentenced to 18 months in a correctional facility for human trafficking.
A family in Ashford, Kent, later adopted Phong through social services.
The seaside town of Dover, where Phong was found and rescued.
After nearly a year living with his new family, Phong sent a thank-you letter in English to those who had helped and cared for him. On August 17th, Kent County Council posted the letter:
"Dear England,
I'm writing this letter to tell you all about the changes you've made in my life. You saved my life, gave me a family, and a home.
I arrived in England right after waking up in my hospital bed. I was terrified and panicked. I didn't know where I was, my whole body ached, and I couldn't even eat. I could only move my neck and fingers a little.
What I remember most are the kind nurses and doctors who smiled at me, gave me biscuits, oranges, and water. They took such good care of me. After six days in the hospital, Melissa, a social worker, came to visit and took me to a new home. I didn't understand what Melissa intended to do until she showed me what was going to happen.
Now I have my own bedroom, my first bedroom ever, and a mother, a father, siblings, grandparents… Initially, I couldn’t speak English well, but the whole family practiced together every day. Then, I was allowed to go to the Migrant Action Network center in Kent to learn more English. There, I met Jo, my new social worker.
After three months in England, I'm now able to attend college to study English and Math. I never thought I could get into university, but I passed two English entrance exams in just 11 months living in England. Thank you everyone for helping me learn English and improve myself. Now I'm more confident and think more positively.
Thank you for finding me and helping me gradually recover in the hospital. Thank you everyone for giving me a family and a good education. Now, I believe in myself and think positively instead of negatively. I never believed I would be loved. But now there's a big rainbow in my life, replacing the darkness.
I'm really looking forward to my third college entrance exam this September. Even though I'm not sure if I'll pass, I'll do my best. I hope to make my family proud.
My mother helped me write this letter. Once again, thank you, England, for changing my life."
Excerpt from the thank-you letter written by Phong in English.
Christine Burge, Phong's current foster mother, said: "He is an extraordinary child, and has grown so much since he first came here. He has passed many tests, become more confident, and made many close friends. I am proud of him every day."
