Ukrainian families make emotional thank you to Teesside

They wanted to hear what Ivan Fedorov, city mayor of Melitopol, had to say about Ukraine’s future.

His speech highlighted the efforts that were being made to ensure that Ukraine has a bright future.

All the gathered families praised their host families when they were reunited.

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Hilary and Brian Hull from Great Ayton welcomed Volodymyr, Iryna and Vlad to their home.

Volodymyr said: “We had never been to the UK before.

“We love the area. We really appreciate it.

“When we came here it was so important for us to see people smiling.

“We are now living in Yarm. Our son is at school and he is working had.

“He feels responsible for finishing school. He is doing great.”

After listening to Mr Fedorov’s speech Brian described how pleased he was with how “positive” it had been.

Sarah and John Purvis were one of the first families to open their doors to a Ukrainian family in Teesside.

They hosted Tanya, Michael and Sveta Shalanska for six months.

Sarah said: “We watched the news and we just knew we had to help.

“We were hoping that somebody would do the same for us if we were in the same circumstance.

“Watching the kids and mothers in the shelters was really hard.

“We didn’t really discuss it we just came to a decision immediately.”

Tanya described how welcome the Middlesbrough family had made them.

She said: “We were very welcome here thanks to Sarah and her family.

“It’s difficult to live your country. You are alone.

“We needed a little help but they provided all of it. All her family were amazing.

“To feel that there are people supporting you is so important.

“Sarah and John made sure that we never felt lost.”

Olha Pavliuk, a former journalist in Ukraine who brought her two children to Teesside, described how difficult it was moving to the UK.

She said: “It’s really difficult to describe.

“Everything is different here in the UK.

“Here we have to start from nothing again.

“The main problem is not just finding a job but also with renting.”

Mr Fedorov said: “It’s great to be on Teesside to discuss our new partnership and how we move Melitopol forward together.

“It’s heartening to see the solidarity and we hope this marks the dawn of a productive new relationship.”  

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“The main problem is not just finding a job but also with renting.”

Mr Fedorov said: “It’s great to be on Teesside to discuss our new partnership and how we move Melitopol forward together.

“It’s heartening to see the solidarity and we hope this marks the dawn of a productive new relationship.”