A Ukrainian refugee in Bromsgrove who has spent the last year collecting donated UK medical equipment to send to soldiers and civilians injured in the war in her homeland, has been recognised by the Mayor of Worcester.
Tanya Kyiko, who lives with hosts in Stoke Prior and is supported by BRWR, has sent a total of two tons of consignments to Ukraine, including hundreds of crutches, scores of support boots as well as syringes, medicines and much more.
Her dedication has now been recognised by Cllr Dr Matt Lamb. “As Mayor of Worcester, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Tanya Kyiko for her extraordinary compassion and dedication,” he said.
“Her appeal for medical equipment to support wounded soldiers in her home city of Kharkiv has inspired an amazing response, uniting people across our region in a shared act of kindness.
“Tanya’s determination to help others, despite the challenges she has faced as a refugee, is truly humbling. Her work reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of community to reach beyond borders. I am proud to recognise her remarkable contribution and the hope and humanity she represents.”
Ms Kyiko was surprised by the recognition. “Of course, getting this certificate was pleasant and I appreciate the care and support of the Mayor of Worcester,” she said. “But my best award will be the fastest and fairest victory of Ukraine in this bloody war.”
She is now determined to continue her work and has renewed her appeal for donated supplies to send to her “heroes at the frontline”.
“The situation in Kharkiv is terrible, especially now when it is getting colder. The city itself and the Kharkiv region are bombed every day and night with bombs, missiles, drones,” she added.
“A lot of people are being killed, injured, shell-shocked, frightened. A couple of days ago, the russians launched a missile that hit the hospital. This strike caused a huge fire, Can you imagine this hell on earth? And things like these are happening all the time throughout Ukraine.”
Ms Kyiko is extremely grateful to the UK and its citizens for providing her with a safe haven. But the war has destroyed her previous life. “My family is scattered throughout the world. My sister, some of my friends, neighbours are in Kharkiv. Some of my former students are at the frontline – some of them are already killed or gone missing.”
A recent drone attack caused a fire about 400 metres from Ms Kyiko’s Kharkiv home. A woman with her three children were burnt alive as a dozen houses were destroyed.
The appeal is for any surplus medical equipment, medicines or dressings, even if they are considered out-of-date or not sterile. “We do need help as damages are horrendous and regular. Donations are essential and can make a huge difference to people injured in the war,” she said.
She has also recently sent sleeping bags and yoga mats, rucksacks, candles and folding chairs for drone operators to sit on. Tanya Kyiko can be contacted via tanya.leg59@gmail.com or info@brwr.uk
