Families in Ukraine being supported by Peterborough couple struggling to cope with power cuts in bomb damaged homes

Families in war hit Ukraine who are being supported by a Peterborough couple are struggling to cope with constant power cuts in their bomb damaged homes.

John and Rosie Sandall have made numerous visits to Ukraine over the past 25 years to help families who are still impacted by the Chernobyl disaster as part of their Chernobyl Children’s Appeal.

The couple have raised thousands to help families over the years, and are still in touch with many who are now struggling to cope as the Russian invasion of their home country continues.

Rosie, from Longthorpe, said: “ Most of the families we support have severely disabled children and life remains very stressful there.

"We are in daily contact with many of our families who tell us that with regular power cuts and winter approaching, life is very hard. Most of our families had bomb damage to their homes and we have been helping to pay for repairs.”

A group of pensioners in Peterborough were able to hear first hand of the horrors of what is happening in Ukraine when Rosie visited with Max Yaschenko.

Max, who is disabled and relies on a wheelchair to get around, came to Peterborough after his family were supported by John and Rosie.

Members of the Netherton Friendship group, Peterborough, have for many years supported people in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv and they met up with Max and his family this week.

Yvonne White, who helps run the friendship group, which meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Netherton, Peterborough, said: “It was wonderful to meet Max and his Mum face to face. We have heard so much about the family over many years that it was lovely to actually

meet them at last. Max told us about what life had been like before they left their home, about how frightening it was when the bombings happened and about how relieved they were to be safe in Peterborough.”

Rosie said: “John and I have visited Chernihiv 47 times in the last 25 years and we have supported Max and his family along with many other families in Ukraine. The village where Max’s family lived was constantly being bombed and the situation became unbearable for them.

“The family eventually escaped to Poland where they stayed for several weeks while all the necessary paperwork was sorted out. It was very emotional for us when they finally arrived here. They are now settled in Peterborough and they are taking English classes. Max hopes to study computer programming next year.

“We are planning to send Christmas gifts to all our Ukrainian families to help make life a bit brighter for them. We are very grateful to the Netherton Friendship group and to many city people for their continued support.

“If anyone would like to support our families at Christmas time, please send donations to Chernobyl Children’s Appeal, 51 Apsley Way, Longthorpe, Peterborough, PE3 9NZ.