Cheshire families open their homes to Ukrainian refugees

A security expert from Mobberley has set up a website, Ukraine Zone, to reunite displaced people with their loved ones.

In just one week it has received 70,000 hits.

Kind-hearted Cheshire families have also offered homes to the refugees.

Bob Marshall has teamed up with a group of UK volunteers in Przemyśl in Poland.

“They have been there for days helping refugees come over the nearby border from Ukraine.

Ukrainian refugees wait patiently for help at the Polish border

“I have seen videos, it’s simply awful.

Frightened children are led to safety

“With 38 years in security, it pricked my conscience to do something.

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“I am co-ordinating this website, organising all the logistics and trying to provide what these guys need.

Bags and rails of clothes have been donated to keep refugees warm

"I have had great help from the people of Knutsford and the local church."

Bob is now mounting a humanitarian trip to deliver vital communications equipment, such as radios and satellite phones to help the volunteers.

Emergency supplies are on hand at the makeshift camp

On the return journey, he plans to bring 36 refugees back to Cheshire where families have kindly offered their homes as a sanctuary.

“The response from everyone has been absolutely amazing,” said Bob.

Every effort is being made to help children and families fleeing from the bombs

“The amount of people opening their homes is incredible. Some are even giving up their entire house.

“The majority of the people coming back will be mums with their young children as they have to leave their husbands behind.”

Volunteers work tirelessly to provide emergency aid

Preston Caravans and Motorhomes has kindly donated eight motorhome, two minibuses, drivers and funded the cost of all the fuel.

“The key to this is us having people on the ground on the border in Poland who we have developed a bond of trust with.

Practical help and support is offered

“We would love to take down blankets, baby items such as hats, scarfs and gloves. Poor folks are freezing.”

“If people could just hold onto these donations for now and we will arrange collection or a drop off.”

Volunteers offer refugees practical help and support

Distressing pictures of families struggling to escape have touched everyone’s hearts.

“It is emotional,” said Bob. “It has brought me to tears.

“We will keep doing these humanitarian trips until we get these people to a place of safety.”

For details of how you can offer a home to Ukraine refugees visit ukrainezone.org