Support for Elena

Hi dear friends and colleagues,

I know all of us are saddened and horrified to see the devastation currently being wrought on the Ukrainian people by the Russian government. While most of us are witnessing events from afar, many of you may already be aware that our very own Elena Bachurina and her family are experiencing first hand the impacts of these unconscionable, egregious actions.

Thankfully, Elena’s brother and young family have made it out of Kiev safely this week as refugees and are in the process of setting up interim accommodation as the family work through next steps. The cover photo is of Elena and her niece at the border in Berlin. Sadly, the family have lost contact with their Mother over the last few days as their home city of Mariupol faces a ever-growing emergency and humanitarian crisis.

Having someone so close to us go through such tragic circumstances first hand brings these events to life in a way I hoped we’d never experience, demonstrating the very real and human cost of war. We all know, love and respect Elena and I am hoping that in setting up this fund for our friend, we can offer at least to lift some financial and emotional burden to help support and strengthen the family over the coming weeks and months as they face these difficult and uncertain times together.

Thank you all so much,
Lauren