Daria Neklesa
Two sons run for Ukraine
Fundraising for UNICEF UK
Story
Our two sons Aleks (11) and Isaac (7) would like to do a sponsored run between Blackburn and Burnley Football Clubs (around 13 miles) in aid of UNICEF to help the children of Ukraine. We would be grateful if you would give them your support to help them raise as much money as possible for this wonderful cause.
Why this matters to us
Our family is of Ukrainian heritage. My Ukrainian father came to the UK as a teenage refugee following the Second World War.
Our family is of Ukrainian heritage. My Ukrainian father came to the UK as a teenage refugee following the Second World War.
As a child, I often asked him what scared him most about the war. Each time I asked, he was able to give a different answer. His experience of war was filled with fear, hunger and a desperate uncertainty about what the future would hold.
It was a difficult time made better thanks to the kindness he was shown by the British people. That kindness enabled him to rebuild his life and put the horrors of the war behind him. He married, had a family and lived out the remainder of his life happy and contented.
As a family we remain grateful for the care that was shown to him during that time of great need. We would like to pass on that kindness to the next generation of Ukrainians who are now sadly experiencing war.
Positive action
On hearing of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine our hearts sank. Our immediate thoughts went to those who would be hurt or displaced. The children forced to part from loved ones and grow in an unfamiliar country without the comfort of language or their homes. We had all hoped this would not happen and were horrified when it did. My children were desperate to do something to help. That is when my sons decided to set themselves the challenge of running between their two local football clubs.
If you would like to support our lovely lads to help children in Ukraine please send over a bit of sponsorship to help them on their way.