Isle of Wight welcome made Ukraine family so happy

Her brother was serving in the Ukrainian armed forces in war-torn Kiev and other family members were sheltering in a cellar by candle light in the embattled town of Chernihiv.

One year on, where are Zoryna's family?

The answers are mainly positive, although her brother is still in the army, with his wife and adult daughters working to support the war effort from Ukraine.

Zoryna O'Donnell's family members on the Isle of Wight. (Image: Zoryna O'Donnell.)

For her niece and children, the outlook was brighter.

They were evacuated during the siege thanks to the efforts of friends and volunteers-evacuators and they were lucky to do so as many people were killed or wounded while also trying to leave the city.

Then it took them almost a month to get to the Isle of Wight, where they spent five months, with the children going to school and seeing the sights.

Iryna Kudelia came to the Isle of Wight under the Homes for Ukraine Programme together with her three children (Liza, Vitalii and Nadiia), her mother Halyna and her disabled brother, Yevhen, in April 2022. 

Iryna told the County Press: “The Isle of Wight is so beautiful!

"We liked that there is a lot of greenery here and how easy it was to breathe – the air is crystal clear and refreshing.

"Almost every house, literally, is covered in flowers. Also, it was nice to see many familiar plants that grow here too - they reminded us of home.

Iryna's children with a royal postbox topper in Newport. (Image: Zoryna O'Donnell)

"While being on the Island, we felt a lot of support not only from the Community Action Isle of Wight, various services and government agencies, but also from the residents of your wonderful Island.  

"With special warmth, children recall their school experience at Carisbrooke CE Primary School and how they were received in their classes.

"Everyone they met at school – teachers, other school staff and children were very welcoming, friendly and supportive. My children now correspond with some of their classmates.

"We are glad that we were able to see different interesting and beautiful places on the Isle of Wight, meet new people, learn about your culture.

"On the Island we felt peaceful, calm and comfortable.

"During the time that we spent here, the children stopped reacting with horror to any loud noise and sounds of thunder, reminiscent of exploding rockets, shells and bombs, from which we were forced to flee.

"In March last year, our home city of Chernihiv was awarded a Ukrainian honorary title Hero City of Ukraine for outstanding heroism of its defenders under the heavy bombing by Russian forces.

Read more:

• Isle of Wight musicians turn out in force to sing for Ukraine
• One year on: How the Isle of Wight had helped war-torn country 

"When we left Chernihiv, we took only the most necessary things: clothes, documents, telephones.

"We left behind our beloved men, our homes with all possessions and our pets (who were looked after by our family members remaining in Ukraine). We left behind our friends, our jobs, our whole life as we knew it…

"Now, in our home city it is much calmer than it was when the city was surrounded by the Russian troops.

"Although many destroyed houses and traces of shells still remind of that horror, the city is gradually being restored. Children even go to school.

"Bomb shelters have been added to every house and other buildings, including schools, and children often have their lessons in those shelters.

Read more:

• Solidarity with Ukraine as County Hall raises flag
• Islanders thanked for support for Turkey earthquake appeal

"The air raid sirens sound several times a day and sometimes at night too. But now we know that this is more of a preventive measure. We are reunited with the rest of our family in our home city and we know that we will overcome all the difficulties together.

Like all Ukrainians, we are optimistic and we hope to see all Ukraine free from the Russian aggressors soon.

"We are very grateful to the UK government and to all people and organisations on the Isle of Wight who helped us to recover from the horrors of the initial days of war, who helped us to build our strength – we will need it to rebuild our lives.”

Zoryna said: “I am immensely grateful to everyone who helped my family during their stay and to many others helping Ukrainians who found safety from the war on this wonderful Island.

Iryna and her children shltering in a cellar in Chernihiv. Inset Zoryna O'Donnell. (Image: Newsquest)

"Please continue your support – the war is still raging even if it is not getting much attention in the news.

"There are so many people in Ukraine who are displaced and who are still looking for sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine programme. Please find it in your hearts to help them in any way you can.”