A Ukrainian refugee who came to live with a former colleague in Henley-in-Arden has shared her experiences of having to flee her home and come to Warwickshire.

Zoya Chechulina came to the county with her 13-year-old son Svyatoslav and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia in June 2022, leaving her husband and eldest son behind.

They are now living with Caroline and John who are among the 500 Warwickshire residents to have offered their homes to refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Zoya said she had to make the "difficult decision" to leave their home whilst husband Viktor and 20-year-old son Dima stayed for military service in Kyiv.

"My good friend and former colleague, Caroline, has been supportive since the war started. When the Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched by the UK government, I contacted Caroline and John to ask whether they would be happy to become our sponsors," she said.

"They both agreed and I was grateful and incredibly happy!

Former Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Peter Jones pitches in to support The Engine's Ukrainian appeal (Image via Will Johnston)

"I still remember the warm welcome that John and Caroline gave us; they had decorated their home with Ukrainian flags, they gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and they got some lovely presents for my children. Moreover, they had prepared some lovely cards for all of us!"

A procurement professional, Zoya has now found work in the UK and a place for her children to attend school.

Sofia was accepted at Alcester Grammar school, and Svyat to St. Benedict's Catholic School.

Having now been in Warwickshire for four months Zoya added: "The county is very nice! It is very calm, green and we have settled into our daily routine with work and studies.

"I want to thank UK for such amazing and powerful support to Ukraine on all levels"

"We do some sport activities outside and we are enjoying using facilities at the local leisure centre.

"I want to thank UK for such amazing and powerful support to Ukraine on all levels - starting with the government, local authority, and all people we meet every day. We are blessed with Caroline and John who became our family here."

Caroline and John, who are both retired, said it was initially "manic" but were "enormously impressed" at how Zoya had handled everything.

John commented: "Whilst I would not underestimate how the family feel about leaving their home, their husband/father, and son/brothers and all their friends and way of life behind.

"They seem incredibly positive about life and their new challenges.

"We have had to make some small adjustments in our routines but overall have taken enormous positives from getting to know them learning about Ukraine and its culture.

"We have also had a positive reaction to our sponsorship from family, friends and anyone meeting their situations including lots of local businesses and clubs and of course local authority. We will I am sure remain close once they move on."