‘Desperation in Vlad’s eyes told me to help’
A BRITISH man has told of his “relief” after finally welcoming a Ukrainian refugee into his home.
Max Fox, 32, who lives with his partner, met Vlad, 26, while he was in Poland helping with humanitarian efforts.
Vlad is one of thousands who have fled across Ukraine’s western border, with many gathering at Przemysl railway station in search of safety.
Max submitted an application to bring Vlad back to the UK on March 18 and he put the Ukrainian up in a hotel until the application was successful.
And on Friday, he welcomed Vlad to the UK as he landed at Manchester Airport.
Max, of Poulton-le-fylde, Lancashire, said: “It was just a definite relief.
“It’s been quite torturous the past week. So to actually get him here and to kind of close that chapter and move on, that was nice. But there’s still work to be done.”
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, anyone in the UK with a spare room or home can register their interest in hosting someone as long as they can offer accommodation for at least six months.
Max, an artistic director for a group of hotels in Blackpool, made contact with Vlad – who was in Poland when the government enforced conscription – online before the pair met in person in Krakow.
He said: “But as soon as I met him, even before speaking to him, I just saw the desperation in his eyes, and I knew that I needed to help, so he was the one.”
Max said his cockapoo andvlad – who does not speak English – immediately struck up a relationship before the Ukrainian fell asleep.
He added: “(The dog) has actually really taken tovlad.as soon as he arrived they built this relationship.
“I think because of the language barrier it’s good for him to have the dog.”
Max, who is planning to continue volunteering, said he has already been told of potential job opportunities forvlad.
He encouraged others with a spare room to “be human and offer it if you can”.
He added: “Poland is at capacity. It’s going to sink very, very soon.you can’t just take one country and put it in another and expect everything to be okay. It’s just not achievable. If you’ve got that availability and you’re comfortable then go for it.
“Take that risk, because to help somebody is the biggest achievement.”