A UKRAINIAN refugee visited Whitehaven to meet with members of the parish. 

Helen Popova left Ukraine when her city of Mariupol was invaded, she now lives in the UK and has befriended reverend Alison Dobell of the Whitehaven parish. 

A social afternoon and over £700 was raised for the Ukraine appeal. It was there that Helen shared a documentary she produced thanking British people for welcoming Ukrainians. 

Helen spoke about what it was like when Ukraine was invaded and how she made her way to the UK. 

She said: "My native city in Ukraine was Mariupol and when the invasion started in February 2022 the city was completely destroyed, it had a population of over half a million people. 

"It was besieged, and people had no way to escape. I had to spend about a month in the city where there was no electricity or water supply, it was completely blockaded. 

"The only way to leave the city was by car, I didn't have my own, so I was lucky to join people who were trying to escape. 

Helen (Left) with Alison Dobble Helen (Left) with Alison Dobble (Image: Supplied)

"I got out of the city and when I found my way to Ukraine-controlled territory I received four offers. 

"I'm not originally from Ukraine, I spent most of my life in the country, but I was born in Russia. Remnants of my family are living in St Petersberg and are supporters of Putin and the war. 

"When they invited me to go to Russia, I refused. I then received an invitation from an English person who used to work for an international organisation. 

"He told me about a scheme to help Ukrainian people and promised to find a sponsor for me. 

"So, he kept his promise and found me accommodation in Winchester."

Whilst in Winchester Helen made friends with the then chaplain Alison Dobble, who is now revered in the Parish of Whitehaven. 

When Alison moved to Cumbria, she invited Helen to come to visit her in Cumbria.