Gary and I are doing a half marathon (or more precisely, half a marathon since it is a relay over the full course!) in St Tropez on 30 March.

We decided to take this opportunity to support the Ukrainian Medical Charity. At the start of the war, we hosted Maryna and her two children who left their home in Kyiv to seek safety in England. Maryna is a doctor now able to practise here and her husband remains in Kyiv working as an eye surgeon.

With their family background, Maryna and her family have been active with supporting the Ukrainian Medical Charity.

The Ukrainian Medical Charity (UMC) is dedicated to advancing healthcare sector in Ukraine in response to the Russian invasion. Over the past two years, it has focused on acting as a bridge between the UK and Ukraine, in partnership with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health. Its efforts have facilitated support for Ukrainian healthcare professionals in the UK and provided essential medical supplies to hospitals in Ukraine.

UMC aims to provide healthcare expertise and medical supplies to Ukraine by acting as a channel between UK-based charities, NGOs, hospitals, and medical facilities in Ukraine. It is also developing a framework to support Ukrainian healthcare professionals in registering and working in the UK, particularly within the NHS. UMC has established a robust bridge between Ukraine and the UK to contribute to the future rebuilding of the Ukrainian healthcare system and infrastructure. Over time, it plans to expand its engagement to other countries around the world.