From Ukraine to Poland

Firstly I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their support with our fundraising efforts so far and update on our situation.

On Saturday, Liuda and I started our journey to leave our home. This was a really tough decision for us as we wanted to stay in our home in Ivano-Frankivsk, but obviously felt impending danger from the War in the rest of the country. We received news last week from the Home Office that Liuda’s visa application was approved and we could travel to the UK.

We didn’t leave immediately as we had launched this campaign to raise funds and wanted to help gather aid supplies in our area, this mission had given us great energy and a focus in such uncertain times. It was extremely tiring, even just 3 full days rushing around many local pharmacies trying to source medicines took its toll. Tied with air raid sirens waking us up at night and regularly having to head to shelters in case of attacks.

We had the opportunity to board a bus on Saturday 5th March and decided to take it. The journey took 32 hours to Krakow, including 20 hours waiting in queues at the Polish border. The Scenes whilst waiting to cross demonstrated the scale of the refugee crisis. A constant stream of car and foot traffic was moving down the road throughout our wait in line. Children, the elderly and families with pets from all over Ukraine.

We’re now in Poland where it feels oddly peaceful. A huge weight feels lifted from me, as we’re out of the country at war. However, I still have a nagging worry about the future and safety of our home and friends and family who remain.

We’re still getting print orders and raising donations, which is amazing. We are still in touch with people working our the ground in Ivano-Frankivsk and we’re looking at the best way to send funds or items they need, to help directly.

I still need to compile a full list of everything we’ve donated so far, please hold tight and thank you following our journey.