Refugee says couple who took him in 'saved his life'

Aziz (centre) was given a place to stay by Anita (left) and Steve Rathgay in Reading

A refugee who fled his home country after being accused of treason said a couple who took him in as he was facing homelessness have "saved his life".

Aziz, 27, took part in political protests against Morocco's government and king and applied for asylum in the UK after being threatened with jail if he returned there.

He is living with Anita and Steve Rathgay in Reading in Berkshire after they were paired up by charity Refugees at Home, which gives guests time to find somewhere more permanent to live.

"I cannot thank them enough because technically they saved my life," Aziz said.

"They don't see it that way. They just see it as if they're helping me but they did save my life."

Aziz was threatened with jail if he returned to Morocco

Aziz was in an asylum hotel in Croydon for eight months before he was granted refugee status in April and given three weeks to leave it.

He moved in with the Rathgays in May, and is the sixth guest the couple have hosted.

"We've found it very rewarding," said Mrs Rathgay.

Mr Rathgay said: "We're providing a place where they can at least find a place to reset, and just try and build a new life even if it's not quite what they planned for themselves."

The Rathgays have taken in six refugees so far

Aziz has been offered a job at a hotel, and plans to move out soon.

"It is very frustrating not to be working," he said.

"You're living a normal life [before] and all of a sudden you're now an asylum seeker and, even worse, you're now homeless, just like that. It was very quick.

"You can call it bad luck but sometimes it happens. It can happen to anyone."