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Alan Coombs raised £205 from 9 supporters
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Closed 18/11/2022
Iʼve raised £205 to Get my sponsored Ukrainians to the UK
- Redditch
- Funded on Friday, 18th November 2022
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Story
Hi, my name is Alan.
My wife and I decided to join the Homes For Ukrainians scheme at the end of April 2022. The local coordinator asked if we would host to a couple, a Grandmother (Marharyta) and Granddaughter (17 year old Sofia) A little later in the process we found that the Granddaughter has a disability. No problem we could accommodate that with a bit of modification to our bathroom etc.
We proceeded with all government requirements and the Marharyta and Sofia started the process of obtaining visas. At this time, they were in a border village in Poland.
They completed all relevant documentation and submitted all the information requested.
Marharyta received her visa at the end of May.
Thinking it would be the same for Sofia we agreed for Marharita to box and send all their worldly possessions keeping enough for daily use. Now the boxes are in my garage.
Time passed but no sign of a visa for Sofia.
Due to the lack of information from the Home Office we engaged with our local MP.
After much effort by our local MP and other agencies, it transpired that the Home Office had declared Sofia was an unaccompanied minor and rejected the application even though her Gran is her legal guardian.
In the meantime, their time to stay in Poland was running out so they decided to go to Lille in France to attend the VAC in person. It transpires you can't just walkin so now they have to attend the VAC in Paris.
While they try to secure an interview I am currently paying for their accommodation and expenses in an F1hotel. Basic but safe.
This is where your Donation would be spent:-
Accommodation
Food
Living Expenses in France.
Travel to UK. (may not be needed as currently Eurostar do free travel for Ukrainians to UK.)
When they finally arrive, if there is any money remaining, I will donate to another Ukrainian cause.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post.
Regards Alan
Updates
6
- 2 years ago
Alan Coombs
2 years agoFinally on Tuesday we welcomed Marharyta to our home. Now we just need to get her 17 year old disabled Granddaughter here. Sofia was classed as an unaccompanied minor and is still waiting for her visa while she is stuck in a Lille hotel. Funds for that ran out a while ago so I am paying as there is no financial help available for her in France.
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- 2 years ago
Alan Coombs
2 years agoStill no sign of the visa for Sofia so I have had to extend the hotel until 11th August. All extra cost and stress. We are in contact with UKIV Decision Making Centre to find what is delaying the issue of the visa. Very frustrating for all. On the positive side Sofia has gather some support in France. A local volunteer has arrange for her plight to be published in a local newspaper and and on the local radio station. Hopefully reaise some money locally.
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- 2 years ago
Alan Coombs
2 years agoSofia is still waiting for her visa and has been told it will be after the 5th August. Let's hope it appears.
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Alan Coombs started crowdfunding
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Supporters
9
Anonymous
Aug 26, 2022
£20.00
Nigel
Aug 3, 2022
Hope you get this sorted soon Alan. Good luck.
£25.00
Margaret Smith
Aug 2, 2022
Am hoping they'll both be with you very soon
£20.00
Anonymous
Aug 1, 2022
£20.00
Barbara Chennery
Jul 31, 2022
£20.00
Sally Marshall
Jul 29, 2022
Hope all will be sorted out for you soon. What you’re doing is amazing.
£20.00
Clive and Sue Baker
Jul 27, 2022
£30.00
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