Mum launches appeal to aid Ukrainians on run from war
AYOUNG mum whose parents and relatives are in Ukraine has set up an appeal in Accrington for displaced families seeking safety from Russian forces.
Daria Wood and her husband Chris have set up a drop-off point at Chris’ shop – Emmazing Gifts on 91-93 Whalley Road, and they are desperate for donations to support Daria’s home country ahead of their next shipment on Saturday.
They are looking for paracetamol, ibuprofen, antiseptic spray, plasters, dry wipes, wet wipes, alcohol/ disinfectant wipes, nappies, baby food and baby wipes. Batteries (various types), sleeping pads and sleeping bags were also requested for military use.
Daria has lived in England for 11 years but her mum and dad, who are both in their 60s, are in Cherkasy – about 100 miles south of Kiev, and her cousin, who works in air traffic control, has enlisted with the Ukrainian Army.
The former Kiev student said they attended a demonstration with other
Ukrainians in Manchester last weekend, and said the urgently needed supplies will arrive in Ukraine within three days of leaving the country as the situation in Kiev deteriorates.
She said: “We’ve just organised for people to drop things off. We have just had a shipment last night (Tuesday). My daughter’s school Hapton Primary are doing a collection as well and we have had help from Burnley FC in the Community.
“I have many friends in Kiev and many are fleeing at the moment trying to get out of the city or country. We just want to help wherever is possible. We are concentrating on women and children that have been displaced. I have got two little kids, and that could be me if I was not lucky enough to live somewhere else.”
A 40-mile convoy of hundreds of Vladimir Putin’s Russian tanks was heading towards the capital as the invasion entered its seventh day.
Daria, who lives in Hapton, said she remains in touch with her parents, but has been unable to persuade them to leave their home.
“They could have driven over to the border,” she said.
“They could have come to the UK. But that’s all they’ve worked for their whole lives.”
She said she is not aware of a large Ukrainian population in Hyndburn, but said the Polish community have “been amazing”, and said with the number of refugees fleeing over the border, people could make donations to any Polish shop or the Accrington Polish school.
Monuments – including the Mercer Memorial Clock Tower in Great Harwood and County Hall - have been lit blue and yellow this week in a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people’s plight.
Hyndburn council leader Coun Miles Parkinson said: “We stand in solidarity today, tomorrow and going forward, until peace is found. The events are deeply concerning and our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and everyone impacted, during this devastating time of an attack on freedom.”
Tyler Wharton, 10, and Mason Wharton, 9, from Clayton-le-Moors, did their bit by making a Lego model for their front window.
Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe said she was “appalled” by the actions
of Putin’s Russia in Ukraine, and said the West must stand up for freedom and democracy. Meanwhile it is feared that
petrol prices could continue to climb from record levels due the invasion.