In 1973 a violent and repressive military coup took place in my country, Chile. Thousands of people were tortured, others killed and more than 3,000 disappeared. Many members of my family were put in prison and tortured. In 1976 the repression was stronger than ever. My father, in home detention at the time, advised me to leave the country and I was able to come to the UK. A fund from the World University Service enabled me to continue my studies at the University of London. I could not travel back to Chile for 9 years, as I would risk being imprisoned. In the meantime my father had died and I could not go to his funeral.

After 39 years in England I have made it my second home. My son was born here and from only 5 years old he and I have supported Sheffield United together - true Blades. We still enjoy going to the matches together. I worked for many years at Sheffield University and I have always felt very welcome. When I visit Chile now it has changed so much that I consider myself a visitor or a tourist. While in Chile I long to come back to this country to see my friends and son again.

Bramall Lane