Hi I’m Elena. I am 16 years old and I live in Lisbane, Co. Down. I go to Strathearn School, Belfast where I am about to sit my GCSEs. One of my favourite subjects is History so of course I’ve studied the destruction and devastation of previous wars. But this was the first time I’ve seen firsthand the real human suffering of a war. Modern technology has enabled us to see the human tragedy of war reflected in the faces of ordinary Ukrainian citizens, something no textbook could ever convey. Seeing the courage and bravery of thousands of women and children travelling across the country to get to safety, inspired me to find a way to help. Driving to school one morning in the luxury of my mum’s car, I thought of all the things I take for granted; family, friends, safety, education, freedom. As I see it, the very things Ukrainians are fighting so hard to save. 

To show my support, I’m going to forego the luxury of my drive to school. I will be walking 12 miles from my home to school on 8th April 2022. The challenge won’t just be the distance but the fact that I will have to leave my home before 5:00am to be in school for 8:30am.  A personal challenge for me to overcome is the fact that  I suffer from a neurological condition which causes burning pain and numbness down both my arms when I walk. 

I’ve chosen Plan International UK because they are helping provide educational supplies for Ukrainian refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries. Your donations would help bring a little bit of normality back into the lives of innocent children who have lost so much. 

Thank you for reading my story and thank you so so much if you are able to sponsor me. 

Elena x