Ukrainian orphans helped by Sunday People readers dream of returning to homeland

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Your generosity has so far raised £65,000 which went towards getting the children out of war-ravaged Ukraine and will help with future evacuations

Anastasia, 13, says she misses her sisters (

Image: Hope and Homes for Children)

The 52 Ukrainian orphans Sunday People readers helped to rescue are settling into their new life in Romania – but dreaming of the day they can return to their homeland.

Your generosity has so far raised £65,000 which went towards getting the children out of war-ravaged Ukraine and will help with future evacuations.

Robert Ion of charity Hope and Homes for Children is now overseeing their care in Romania and getting the children into local schools.

They underwent a hard and dangerous 26 hour journey by road and rail after fleeing the fighting in Dnipro in Eastern Ukraine last month.

Mr Ion said: “The war and leaving their homeland has been extremely stressful for them.

“But we’re trying to make this evacuation feel like a big adventure. Our aim is to make them feel like normal children again.”

Ivan, 13, says he wants to learn Romanian and play sport again
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Image:

Hope and Homes for Children)

Ivan, 13, said: “It was very hard for me to leave Ukraine. But I’m so glad we’re now safe.

“My dream is to return to Ukraine someday. But while I’m here I’d like to learn Romanian and play sport again.”

Anastasia, 13, is also looking forward to learning Romanian, but she misses her three sisters, one of whom is still in Ukraine while the two others have fled abroad.

She said: “I am looking forward to meeting them again one day when the war is over.

“I miss my homeland but nothing compares with how much I miss my sisters. Thankfully I’m being helped to stay in touch with them.”

Vasili, 16, says evacuating to Romania was for the best
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Image:

Hope and Homes for Children)

And Vasili, 16, added: “At the beginning of the war I was left alone in the orphanage dormitory and didn’t know what to do. Being evacuated to Romania was for the best. Now we’re all safe.”

Mr Ion added: “One day, when the time is right, we hope to help them return home to Ukraine.

“We also aim to help many more Ukrainian children but this will only be possible with the continued support of Sunday People readers.

“We cannot thank you enough for your donations and generosity. It’s saving young lives.”

BLOB: To donate to our orphan appeal backed by Labour leader Keir Starmer go to www.hopeandhomes.org or text HOPE 5, HOPE 10, HOPE 15 or HOPE 20 to 70300 to donate £5, £10, £15 or £20 to Hope and Homes for Children.