She runs to save lives…
that the children of Ukraine could go to nurseries and schools without fear;
that heath facilities and public services could work normally and are no longer targeted by Russian ammunition;
that farm land is no longer covered by Russian mines;
Until then let’s try to make this world a better place.”
These are the words from a JustGiving page newly built by Tetyana Petrenko, a GP from Knutsford.
Tetyana came to this country from Ukraine more than 18 years ago and her 4-year-old daughter probably speaks English much better than Ukrainian. Some of Tetyana’s family managed to come to the UK when the war broke out. Others still live in the war-torn country.
This war is personal for Tetyana, and painful, and terrifying… In February, when she learned that in the town where her family lived, a kindergarten had been hit and a seven-year-old girl died, she was devastated. On her Facebook Tetyana wrote: “From now on till victory I will be donating all my salary to British-Ukrainian Aid charity” …And she’s been doing so ever since. She also created a page with the title “Walk and run for children of Europe who cannot escape gunfire” and dedicated it to the memory of this little girl, one of the first victims of the aggression, one of six people who died, when her nursey was hit. The target was to raise £6,000. Tetyana raised nearly £12,000.
The war is far from over. The combination of cold weather and destroyed infrastructure makes life unrecognisable and unimaginable in 21st century Europe. Shortage of medical essentials and conditions in hospitals, which have been left without gas and electricity, are dramatically affecting the treatment of the ill and wounded.
On her new JustGiving page, Tetyana has written: “Dear friends and neighbours, I would like to raise funds in order to support liberated areas of Ukraine with lifesaving medication. We will send medical aid to the area of greatest need. I really hope it will reach liberated Kherson or other regions in the East of Ukraine.”
Tetyana’s challenge this time will be a 17-mile circular run-walk starting and finishing in Knutsford. The path will go through Tatton Park, Altringham and Arthill.
Tetyana adds: “I have chosen British Ukrainian Aid to donate to because they are a group of very dedicated trustworthy volunteers that have been buying ambulances and are very good at delivering support to Ukrainian hospitals. I hope you could help me in supporting those that are severely affected by the ongoing war with medical equipment and an ambulance. Any support is appreciated and anyone is welcome to join our run on the day.”
If you’d like to help the fundraising campaign for “Tetyana’s Cheshire run to help with lifesaving medication” visit the JustGiving page. If you want to join Tetyana’s run, the date for your diary is 14th January 2023, starting at 9am from Cranford Avenue, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0EB.
Photos:
– Tetyana’s daughter Sophia in front of the ambulance that is going to Ukraine as part of the donation;
– Sophia with a Ukrainian flag
