I was born to a Ukrainian mother and a Bulgarian father. My parents met at University in Kiev in 1982 and I spent several years growing up in Ukraine with my parents and grand parents.

Like many of you, we’ve been saddened at the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as a result of the war. In particular, this has affected children. According to the United Nations, over 1 million children have left behind their schools, friends and lives to leave for Poland, Hungary and other border countries, where they can be safer than in their homes.

Many of us here at Saint and Sofia are parents and wanted to help. We spent last week at home buying essential supplies like toothbrushes, medicine and food. We received so many generous donations from friends and family that by the end of the week we sent over eight tonnes of humanitarian aid to a charity partner on the Poland / Ukraine border.

However, many friends who weren’t able to donate to our home, have asked what they can do to help. If you are wondering how you could help, the British Red Cross’s Ukraine appeal is raising funds to send more essential supplies to those who need it most.

Thank you so much for your support.