Salim Sheikh is the son of immigrants who originated from the Punjab area in India. Born in Kampala, Uganda he lived in what is often remembered as a golden period for many of the Asians in East Africa. However, this blissful existence was cut short when the Asian community were expelled in 1972 by General Idi Amin.
On account of his grandfather, Salim's father and extended family were granted asylum in England (Great Britain). Many other parts of his family were not so lucky and were displaced and taken by the Red Cross to other countries in Europe. Times were hard as many families were forced to leave behind their wealth including clothes and material possessions which meant they had to start from scratch in order to create a new life for themselves in a foreign and seemingly strange country. Harder times lay ahead. Sadly, following the separation and eventual divorce of his parents, Salim was raised in a children's home along with his younger sister on account of his father, who gained custody, being a single working parent. During this time, Salim was raised by Christian couple who often fostered children and attended a local state school in Forest Gate - part of London's Eastend. Life in the children's home was tough, living alongside several unruly and boisterous children - boys and girls between the ages of 5-13 years old. There was bullying and threats from the older boys but Salim grew to endure this and fight back never backing down from any trouble. Perhaps because of these difficult experiences, the lack of a stable family environment and feelings of abandonment, Salim was often in trouble and particularly disruptive at school. His one solace was his 'girlfriend' with whom he was constantly playing 'kiss chase' and a pet dog (a poodle) who he cherished. There were several fond memories during this time and the years seemed to pass quickly. At the age of eight, Salim's father remarried and thus began a new chapter in what was to be a tumultuous life.