A journey from Ukraine

A woman we met today showed us these photos of her 10 km walk from Ukraine to Poland with her 12-year-old son, and bags, of course. The sign beside the road says "Thank you for leaving no litter!" Along the way, they helped a woman who was carrying 3 cats across the border. This woman also showed us a video of her father singing around the family table at Christmas. She said that he has just had his 72nd birthday. It's very difficult for her and others to make the decision to leave parents and husbands behind and do what's best for their children.

We met another woman who was trying to make the decision about whether or not to take her cat and 3 kittens with her to England, or let her daughter take them back to Ukraine. The daughter, 23 years, is going back to Kyiv to be with her boyfriend. She said that they celebrated their 1 year anniversary on the day war broke out.

I'd really like to have a day without a rant against the UK government but it seems impossible. Bob had another interview on BBC Radio Lancashire this morning and described the 'welcome' provided at Manchester Airport. I spoke to a member of Lancashire's Refugee Integration Team, who informed me that, despite the message given about refugee children having access to education, this may not be the case if the local school is over-subscribed. They, with the help of the sponsor, have to apply through the 'Pupil Access Scheme' and appeal if necessary. We have experience of how difficult this is. I was so angry that I had palpitations - literally!

This will have to be added to the list of what sponsors can expect to deal with. Still, there is no shortage of generous people in the UK, wishing to provide a home to refugee families. However, we have a shortage of homes with more than 1 bedroom if anyone can help...

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