A REFUGEE who has spent the last year collecting donated UK medical equipment to send to soldiers and civilians injured in the war in her Ukrainian homeland, has been recognised by the mayor of Worcester.
Tanya Kyiko has sent a total of two tons of consignments to Ukraine, including hundreds of crutches, scores of support boots as well as syringes, medicines and much more.
And her dedication has now been recognised by Coun Dr Matt Lamb.
He said: “As mayor of Worcester, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Tanya Kyiko for her extraordinary compassion and dedication.
“Her appeal for medical equipment to support wounded soldiers in her home city of Kharkiv has inspired an amazing response, uniting people across our region in a shared act of kindness.
“Tanya’s determination to help others, despite the challenges she has faced as a refugee, is truly humbling. Her work reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of community to reach beyond borders. I am proud to recognise her remarkable contribution and the hope and humanity she represents.”
Ms Kyiko, who lives with hosts in Bromsgrove, was surprised by the recognition.
She continued: “Of course, getting this certificate was pleasant and I appreciate the care and support of the mayor of Worcester. But my best award will be the fastest and fairest victory of Ukraine in this bloody war.”
She is now determined to continue her work and has renewed her appeal for donated supplies to send to her “heroes at the frontline”.
She added: “The situation in Kharkiv is terrible, especially now when it is getting colder. The city itself and the Kharkiv region are bombed every day and night with bombs, missiles, drones.
“A lot of people are being killed, injured, shell-shocked, frightened. A couple of days ago, the russians launched a missile that hit the hospital. This strike caused a huge fire, Can you imagine this hell on earth? And things like these are happening all the time throughout Ukraine.”
Tanya is now appealing for any surplus medical equipment, medicines or dressings.
She has also recently sent sleeping bags and yoga mats, rucksacks, candles and folding chairs for drone operators to sit on.
Email [email protected] or visit [email protected] to help out.
