Back in 2005, Prison Fellowship phoned us and asked if we would be interested in taking part in restorative course called the Sycamore tree. We were then visited by one of the coordinators to explain what the course was about and what our role would be.

He went on to tell us that the Sycamore tree is a six week course, and the men /women and youths that do the course learn about their actions and the ripple effect it has not only on their victim and the victim's family, but on the community and their own families as well. We were then told that we would take part on week three. This may be the first time that an inmate ever sees a victim of crime. We would tell them what happened to Chris and the ripple effect it had on everyone involved in the case.

Then on week six we would be invited back to be a surrogate victim. This is when some of the community are invited too. It is also when the men make their act of restitution. The inmates do this by letter or card.

He also told us the prison rules, like the Sycamore tree is faith-based but not faith promoting. We understood this and after a couple of days we rang the Prison Fellowship to say, yes, we would love to help.

When we went to the prison we were like most people, thinking these people deserved to be locked up. We also had apprehensions on meeting the women.
But during the tea break after we told our story we got chatting to the women, and it was then we realised they were just like us. They had a heart and lungs and who were we to judge them.

Now we are visiting prisons up and down the country telling our story and seeing lives change. Please read below three of the many letters we have received over the years. All names and prisons have been taken out for the privacy of the inmates.

LETTER 1 -- We take this letter into schools we visit.

You're probably too young to know me but chances are you know my case which happened in September 2005; the press aptly named it the subway stabbing.
I am writing this letter, not to preach or claim I am now holier than thou, but I just want to make an effort to stop anyone else from doing what I did and going through what I went through.

At seventeen years old, I was always the centre of attention amongst my friends and community luckily for the right reasons, I was doing well in my A-levels and I had a promising future in boxing, sadly I was three weeks away from becoming a semi professional before I was arrested. Anyway as I was saying I enjoyed the limelight and always wanted to be better than others, you could say my reputation was becoming more important than my own family.

On a hot summer's day my best friend was involved in an argument which I escalated. Without thinking, I punched one of the youths and knocked him down, the buzz and thrill from those around me made me forget that every action has a reaction. The next day the guy I punched came back with friends and we had an altercation during which I stabbed him, not meaning to kill him, just hurt him. I thought yeah my reputation was going to be sky high if I put this guy in hospital. Only later did I find out he had died and this dream life I had was now a nightmare, not just for me but for everyone around me.

I was charged and sentenced to twelve years mandatory life. Although prison was the hardest thing I had encountered, it didn't compare to the pain and anguish I had caused my family and the victim's family. At twenty two now I have probably seen and been through more than someone who has lived a lifetime. All the softness and innocence I once had is now gone, I had to grow up fast all because I wanted more, when I had all I needed in the first place.

So my main message from this letter is cherish your family, freedom and simplicity of life, don't complicate something for your own greed. I missed out on the best part of my youth; I wouldn't wish that on anyone. If you have a loving family who loves you or you got something to live for, just remember my story and don't throw away the world for something that in the long run is gonna leave you with nothing.

Thank you for reading what I have to say and if I have prevented you from ever thinking of doing something dumb then my mission in completed.

LETTER 2

Dear Ray and Vi

I just wanted to write a few words. Not even sure where I should start. I don't think I could ever understand the pain you went through after the loss of your son.
I found it even harder to understand how and why you could forgive all those responsible, I left the room that day feeling more confused than I have ever done in my life.

After all the acts of violence I have committed it could so easily be me that could have been responsible for the loss of someone's son. Does this make sense to you?
I am so glad it never went that far. I truly understand why you had to forgive all those responsible and the reasons why.

I have lived with hurt and anger and bitterness for so long I could never figure out why it would never leave me. Also I could never figure out why I could never forgive myself for all my wrongs. The answer was right there in my face the whole time, the anger and bitterness I had inside my head had control of me, and in order for me to move on I need to forgive my father before I can forgive myself.

I am still angry but at least I know what it is I got to do, Go and visit my father's grave and talk to him, tell him I forgive him and let him go from my life. I am now where I am in my life because of two wonderful people such as yourself. I have never listen so humbled in my life as I was a few weeks ago on that day I first met you.
The work you do is truly amazing you really have been and remain to be an inspiration to me.

So for now I wish you both well as I hope to be myself one day. Thank you both so much.

LETTER 3

This letter starts by using the word sorry.

Seeing things from your point of view and starting to make amends

Open to change.

Restoring the damage.

Regain the trust of the community.

Yesterday I made my mistakes so today I can learn by them.

Dear Ray and Vi,

I wanted to say thank you for what you did for us not just sharing your experience but showing us we can be forgiven. You have shown me how dangerous my behavior can be and the massive impact it could have on so many different people. I promise you this will definitely help me in my path of recovery. I'm an ex alcoholic and drug addict, and your experience has strengthened my foundations. I wish you all the best for the future you both really deserve it thank you.

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We hope these letters will show the great work the Sycamore tree is doing in prisons today.
For more information on the Sycamore tree or the other things Prison Fellowship does, please click here.