Ukrainians in Southampton: Families gather at the Cricketers Arms

A special Ukraine community fundraiser event, held at the Cricketers Arms in Carlton Place on Sunday, saw Ukrainian and Southampton families come together.

Attendees ate homemade Ukrainian food, shared stories about their experiences, and raised money for vital medical equipment to be sent to Ukraine.

'A big price for freedom'

Iryna Afonina, 44, and Natalia Kernytska, 40, were among those at the event.

Iryna said: “When the war started, we came here, and we feel very welcome.

Iryna Afonina (right) and Natalia Kernytska (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“People want to and have helped us all the time which makes it better.

“Everyone has their own routine in life, and I understand as I forget about the war because I am here.

“But we still have a big price to pay for our freedom.”

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Natalia added: “Some people are an example of those in Southampton who are very welcoming and supportive.

“There are still people coming from Ukraine who are forced to leave their homes, so we are really grateful and appreciative for people’s support.”

'It's brilliant'

Southampton man Martin Wyness is just one of the many people giving up his time to help those in Ukraine.

The EMT (emergency medical technician) travelled to the war-torn nation only three weeks ago and returned to the city on Saturday.

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He said: “It’s not just Ukraine’s war; it’s Europe’s and Britain’s war.

“Events like this help to fund medical equipment – without the money, it can’t run, so it’s brilliant.

“We do what we can with my business but we need a lot more than that to fund it.

“The people of Southampton have been amazing and very helpful.”

Ongoing support

Organiser Kat Szustalik is hoping to expand the monthly fundraising events.

She said: “The idea right now is to remind people that we haven’t stopped.

Kat Szustalik and Martin Wyness (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

“I understand there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are thinking ‘we did something to help Ukraine in the past, we don’t have to do anything else’, but there are people out there in an even worse situation.

“This is something we can all share with others.

“There are many brilliant people coming together to do good.”

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