By Andrew Jarret

ARBROATH WOMAN Sue Smith has just returned from a visit to the Czech Republic where she spent the second anniversary of murdered Czech worker Marek Smrz’s death with his family at his graveside.

Marek, who came from a small village near Brno, was murdered by drug addict Adam Gallagher for the few pounds in his wallet after a night out in Arbroath.

Sue discovered Marek’s body while on her way home after a night out with friends. She was so upset she launched an appeal which eventually raised over £10,000 with money being donated by people from all over Scotland.

The money raised enabled Marek’s family to take his body home for burial in their village cemetery.

Sue said, “Visiting the family was a very sad occasion but the family made me very welcome and even had a birthday cake and flowers for me.

“It was my birthday while I was in the Czech Republic and his family remembered this.

“I was very touched by the gesture. The grave is immaculate and whilst very sad it was nice to actually visit Marek’s grave and see for myself how all the donations had helped his family give Marek a resting place.”

The Marek Appeal, which now helps other migrant workers in need, is still going and more recently it helped pay for the funeral of Petr Adamnik, from Melnik in the Czech Republic, who died in a tragic caravan fire on a farm near Arbroath earlier this year.

However, Sue said the appeal’s funds are almost depleted due to the sheer numbers of people requiring help.

“I run a drop-in centre on Wednesday nights from 7pm till 9pm at OB’s cafe in West Port,” she said.

“It is a much needed service as so many people were phoning me for help. Recently it has been Polish people rather than Czech people seeking help.

“Many have arrived here through job agencies in Poland only to find the work and terms of work and accommodation they have been offered are not as they seemed.

“This has resulted in many people becoming homeless, often with little or no money.

“Luckily St Thomas’s Roman Catholic Church has been supplying the Marek Appeal with food parcels to help.

“The Marek Appeal has just over £100 left in its bank account and we are helping up to 30 people a week at the moment.”

The honorary Czech Consulate, Mr Paul Miller, has been backing Sue’s campaign as has Anti- Slavery International and The Scottish Trade Union Congress.

Sue’s advice to anyone from another country wanting to work in Scotland is straightforward.

“Please check all details of the work offered, and keep all paperwork, ask when you will receive your first actual pay,” she said.

“Ideally arrange an appointment with the local job centre before you arrive or as soon as possible to enable you to obtain a National Insurance number so tax can be paid.

“Register on the Workers’ Registration Scheme which, although compulsory within four weeks of taking up employment, many migrant workers do not do. This therefore enables unscrupulous employers to exploit them and they really must bring enough money to return home if required.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Marek Appeal can send cheques or postal orders made payable to The Marek Appeal, PO BOX 15, Arbroath, DD11 1AA.