A CHESHIRE doctor from Ukraine is dedicating a charity run to a little girl killed after Russians shelled a school.
Alisa Hlans, seven, died a day after she was wounded in the cluster bomb attack in Okhtyrka.
Tetyana Petrenko lives in Knutsford and works as a GP in Weaverham and at the Launceston Close surgery in Winsford.
The 40-year-old mum moved to the UK 18 years ago but is worried about her family, whose homes are near missile targets.
Tetyana said: “I am raising money in the name of this little girl who died in Okhtyrka and the military doctor who also died whilst she was looking after the wounded.”
Field medic Sgt Inna Derusova, who was training army doctors to become clinicians, is the first woman to be awarded the Hero of Ukraine title posthumously.
She saved the lives of 10 soldiers before getting fatally wounded herself.
“Unfortunately, the bombing hasn’t stopped,” said Tetyana. “Every night there are ongoing casualties.
“Most of the houses don’t have heating, electricity, running water or gas.
“Like all Ukrainians, I hope that this nightmare will end soon and we could return to normal life.”
Tetyana and her mum Tamara, 67, who is visiting her from Ukraine, joined thousands at protests in Manchester and London.
Her brother Roman, 44, has to stay in the war-torn country as he is an essential worker in an electricity station.
Her sister-in-law Lyuda, 42, and nephew Vadim, 21, fear it is too dangerous to leave.
Tetyana plans to run 34km from Knutsford to the Knipro Ukrainian Cultural Club on Saturday, March 26, the distance families have to walk to try and escape from gunfire.
She is raising money for Ukraine Charity to fund treatment and counselling to help children recover from the trauma of the conflict.
Dr Selva Rasaiah, a partner at Launceston Close Surgery, said: “Seeing it on television is horrible, especially children being bombed.
“Tetyana has worked at my surgery for several years and is well known by our patients.
“To see her so distressed by what is going on in her home country, we want as many people as possible to support her charity run.”
So far, £4,300 has been donated.
“It is unbelievable,” said Tetyana. “I am so grateful.
“Everyone has been very generous.
“The world has turned into a cruel place but at the same time I have found much support and kindness.”
To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/tetyana
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here