Wetherby woman with roots in Ukraine is to hold fundraising event

Anna Jacobs is organising a coffee morning, with fellow Ukrainian Nina Peacock, for Tuesday March 15 at St James’ Church Rooms, to aid the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

“I was born in Bradford, my grandparents were forced to leave Ukraine during WWII, leaving behind their family and life as they knew it to become displaced people in the UK,” said Anna, 38, who works at St Joseph’s School in Wetherby.

“They made Bradford their home and integrated into the community but they are always being proud to be Ukrainian.

“I speak Ukrainian, and as a child attended a Ukrainian school on Saturdays in Bradford. I was even married in the Ukrainian Catholic Church.”

The mum of two children added that the attack on Ukraine by Putin is horrifying and she fears for her family.

“What is happening in Ukraine is beyond horrifying, I can’t even put into words how it makes me feel.

“I have family throughout Ukraine and I fear for them and for every Ukrainian who is living through this nightmare.

“In Ukraine, I have more cousins and family than I could count between both my parents side, plus grandparents sides.

“That includes direct first cousins (my grandma had to leave her young son behind when she was displaced during the war and as a result I have direct first cousins).”

She added that the attacks on Ukraine are not what Putin claims.

“It is not the Russian state fighting for the liberation of Ukraine, but ultimately a fight against humanity, and against freedoms as we know it,” said Anna.

“The resilience of the Ukrainian people is remarkable and I am in awe of their courage, their strength, their fight, their faith, and their humility.

“I could not be prouder of my roots than I am today.”

Anna said she and Nina, who also lives in Wetherby, felt that they had to do something to help.

“We decided to hold a coffee morning for the local community to raise vital funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

“We would love to see as many people as possible attend and support, and feel free to ask us questions they may have about Ukraine.”

The coffee morning takes place on Tuesday March 15 at St James’ Church Rooms, Wetherby, 10am-noon.