Ukrainian refugees in UK encourage people to ‘be more Zelensky’

A Ukrainian refugee and her British host family are raising funds for conflict-displaced children and spreading the message of ‘be more Zelensky’ in the wake of the Russian-Ukrainian war. I’m running a half marathon to celebrate my one year anniversary.

Anna Tysowska, 32 years old KyivJane Finley, 57 cornwallruns the Hampton Court Half Marathon in the Southwest. London On Sunday 26th February they are trying to raise money to buy a generator for Ukrainian children.

The execution comes just days after the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 20, 2022, and is one of many initiatives she has launched to help her country since fleeing the war. .

A few weeks after the conflict began, Tissovska left Ukraine with her aunt and teenage cousin.

On 1 April 2022, they arrived in the UK and Ms Finley and her partner took them to their home as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

“Anna is very grateful that her family is safe and warm, but she would like to return to a free Ukraine,” Finlay told PA news agency.

“We want to help those who have returned to Ukraine by raising funds to install generators where there are groups of children who have no electricity or food.”

Since arriving in the UK, Tysovska has been studying for a master’s degree in psychology, hoping to be able to help Ukrainians with post-traumatic stress disorder when the war is over. I hope

She also launched an online shop, Gifts from Ukraine, with Ms. Finlay to raise money for the war effort.

One of the items for sale is a pair of half-marathon T-shirts that read “Be Zelensky” in honor of Ukrainian President Volodymyr. Zelensky.

“We wanted to do something that would encourage people to stay on board. ‘Being like Zelensky’ means doing the best you can. It’s better than it used to be,” said Finlay.

“When Zelensky was elected, no one expected him to become the leader he is today.

“Being more Zelenskiy is about pushing yourself, pushing yourself back, stepping outside your comfort zone, doing what is good, what is right, what is appropriate.”

Tysovska told PA:

“She said, ‘Oh, you want to run a half marathon?’ I know the British are into marathons, but I’ve never done one in my life.

“Also, I hated marathons. I hated all activities. So I decided it was a challenge for me and for good reason.”

Ms Tysovska said her desire to help grew after the attacks in Kyiv on New Year’s Eve.

Traditional fireworks celebrations to mark the New Year have been replaced with air siren warnings as a focused event Russia The missile barrage damaged much of the capital’s infrastructure.

“New Year’s Eve is a much more important event in Ukraine than Christmas,” said Tissovska. “(Russians) have no morals. They have nothing. There are no rules in this world.

“Ukrainian winters are much harsher than here. We need to buy generators and support displaced children.

“For example, one of my best friends in Ukraine is pregnant. It occupies a large part of my heart.”

Tissovska has used social media to invite her fellow Ukrainians to join her getaway, hoping it will draw crowds.

“I hope to meet many people in the marathon. I need not only financial support, but also moral support,” she said.

“We want to show the Ukrainian people, Anna and her family, and the Ukrainian people that the British people are still behind them,” Finlay added.

“If there are people from Ukraine who want to run with me, or who want to run with me, please come.”

Here’s the link to the pair’s crowdfunding page: