Ripon man who helped Ukrainian refugees set for hero’s return
A month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Lewis Edwards is planning to return to his home city of Ripon with Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska.
Teachers Mr Edwards and Ms Bogdanovska fled Kyiv, where they had been working at a private school, on February 25.
Joining the mass migration of refugees who sought safety in neighbouring NATO countries, they arrived in Slovakia.
There, they and eight friends created a shelter to help Ukrainian women, children and men over 60 find sanctuary in other parts of Europe.
This morning Mr Edwards told the Stray Ferret:
“We are awaiting the outcome of Tanya’s application to travel with me to the UK and once all is in place, our plan is to head straight to Ripon.
“That will give us time to find our feet again, while being with family, friends and meeting some of people who have been so generous in supporting our work with refugees.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is also returning home to Harrogate after travelling to Slovakia to help. Mr Edwards said:
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Mike Heelan, who came over from Harrogate when he read about what we have been doing in Slovakia.
“His help has been invaluable and we will be wishing him well when he heads off back to the UK later today.”
Former soldier Mike Heelan is returning to Harrogate.
Fundraising for Ukraine to continue
Their efforts have been supported by a gofundme page launched by Mr Edwards’ family. More than £19,000 has been raised.
Though they are leaving Slovakia, the fundraising will continue.
Mr Edwards’ mother, Ali, said:
“We are excited that he will be returning to the UK with Tanya and look forward to their safe arrival in Ripon.
“Though they leaving Slovakia, we are committed to continuing the fundraising for the people of Ukraine, who face a desperate situation for the foreseeable future. The monies raised will go to other groups who will be providing humanitarian assistance.”
The flag of Ukraine flies above Ripon Town Hall
The Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Eamon Parkin, supported the gofundme appeal through an event staged this month at The Magdalens Pub, which he owns and runs with his consort, Nigel Guy,
Cllr Parkin, said:
“We already have the flag of Ukraine flying on the town hall and Lewis and Tanya will be welcomed as heroes, when they arrive in the city.”
Funds raised in Ripon have been used to source ambulances, buy and transport vital medical supplies and food and provide shelter.
This work will continue, through the increased involvement of the Slovakian government, acting in liaison with humanitarian aid agencies and on-the-ground volunteer groups.
Ex-soldier from Harrogate flying out today to help Ukrainian refugeesA former soldier from Harrogate will fly to Slovakia today to help Ukrainian refugees
Mike Heelan, who served for 24 years in the British Army whilst based in Harrogate, will be supporting Ripon man Lewis Edwards and his team to run a shelter for people fleeing the war-torn country.
Mr Heelan was moved after reading the Stray Ferret’s stories about Mr Edwards, 33, and his 30-year-old Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska. They were both teachers at a school in Kyiv but fled the Ukraine capital on February 25 to set up a shelter in Slovakia.
Since then, the couple have helped refugees with housing, transport, food, medical supplies and other essentials. They have even sourced 10 armoured ambulances to protect health workers from gunfire.
Mr Heelan and Mr Edwards, who did not previously know each other, managed to connect via WhatsApp and then hastily arrange the trip at short notice.
Mr Heelan said he will go there for two weeks but may stay longer.
“I really felt I should be doing something. I’ll do whatever is needed.
“I want to help people who are suffering because of the war.”
Lewis Edwards and his partner Tanya fled Ukraine. Picture: Tanya Bogdanovoska
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Being human
Up to 180,000 refugees have crossed the border into Slovakia since Russia began its invasion two weeks ago.
The UN Refugee Agency has warned the total number of refugees from Ukraine may reach four million in the coming days.
Wives have been separated from husbands who are staying in the country to fight. Children have left everything they have ever known behind.
Mr Heelan said:
“They are scared and confused.
“I have got the time. It’s about being human.”
Mike Heelan
Mr Heelan said he’s grown frustrated with the UK government’s attempts to send aid to Ukraine, which he said has been stymied by red tape and bureaucracy.
But he pointed to Lewis Edwards as an inspirational example to follow.
“At a time when we need a robust, go-getting government we have a bunch of feeble-heads.
“Lewis is a young lad, a teacher, who’s managed to get armoured ambulances. He’s done it out of nothing. It’s quite amazing.”
Eyes open
At the moment, the border with Slovakia is not a part of Ukraine targeted by the Russian army.
Mr Heelan, 64, said he is not interested in fighting but is not afraid to face danger.
The stoic family man said his wife and two children support his journey.
He said he’ll be feeling some trepidation during the flight to Slovakia tomorrow, but added:
“That’s good for you. I’ll keep my eyes open.”
To donate to the Lewis Edwards Ukrainian shelter fundraiser, visit this gofundme page.