The war in Ukraine has horrified us all. But for our colleague Marina Otroshchenko, the conflict has a deeply personal impact. In 1986, her whole family had to flee from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Now, as Marina explains, “they are living through the worst nightmare of their lives – this war”. Soon after the war began, Marina sprang into action to organise humanitarian aid to be sent to her home country. Vans loaded with donations that ranged from medical equipment and sleeping bags to walkie-talkies and flashlights have been sent to Mariupol and Shchastia. Since then, Marina has organised a bake sale at Brown & Carroll.

She baked a range of delicious Ukrainian specialties and raised a grand total of £697. The money was used to buy more essential items which have already been sent to the war-torn country. So a big ‘thank you’ if you supported her.

Marina says: “The Ukrainian spirit is indestructible and we shall not surrender! Every Ukrainian volunteer is doing their best to spread the message – from demonstrators in Trafalgar Square to grandmothers in Ukraine baking bread for the
front lines. We are strong, united and will remain so until the end.”

We have been thoroughly moved by Marina’s words and actions. We dearly hope that the conflict will end very soon and that Marina will be reunited with her family.