Emergency appeal for Ukrainian family in Kharkiv

The situation in Ukraine is heart-breaking. I am lucky enough to live in Scotland, however my grandmother (babushka Valia), uncle Valera (second from left in the photo), aunty Natasha (far right), their son Max and now also Natasha's mum Galia are together in a small flat, in a block of flats near Zhasminovyj street,  Kharkiv. They are facing an uncertain future in a city heavily under siege.

 

There are close to 90 other families in their building, and the community are supporting each other,  sheltering in the basement during air raids, storing water in baths and buckets, sharing supplies and buying whatever food is still available. 

 

I am reaching out to anyone willing to help. All proceeds will be sent directly to Natasha via a bank transfer, while this is still possible, and it will allow them to continue buying essential food and supplies, as well as helping their neighbours.

If there is a possibility to leave and get across the border into Europe, they may take that chance, although for now it is simply not safe enough to leave the city. They are staying brave, messaging me every day with updates and trying to avoid taking risks. 

 

My family here in the UK will be sending financial support for as long as it takes - while all wages and local government support are non-existent. Every additional pound will make a huge difference.

 

My heart goes out to all the brave people of Ukraine. This is a tragedy for both countries. 

 

Thank you 

 

Below is a photo of me and Max a few years ago in Kharkiv, and my amazing babushka Valia . 


(In addition, payments I have made so far have reached my family, but if the banking system in Ukraine is suddenly blocked and unavailable, I will have the option to donate the funds to a UK charity supporting Ukraine,  and will post any necessary proof of the transfer here.)  

 



 



 

 

p.s.

To illustrate how amazing my babushka really is, during a heavy fire fight near the building the other day, she left the room where my family were hiding, and after a while my uncle went after her and found her cooking "borsh" in the kitchen, seemingly undeterred by the madness outside. She just wanted to make lunch for her family... They had an argument, as she was really taking a risk, but she said that she had had enough, and wanted to just have a normal day. She is a true hero in my eyes and I miss her desperately, and after a difficult life under the Soviet Union, and the separation we experienced when we left for the UK many years ago, I feel that she really deserves better.