Help Harry Richardson Come Home

Harry Richardson, many of you know him as your old Leek college English tutor, left the UK 3 years ago to marry his then girlfriend who is a Ukrainian national. He set up his own school in Uman, Ukraine teaching English to hundreds of student of all ages. He also teaches at the university of Uman. He is admired there as he was here for the kind, caring and compassionate man he is. He was living his best life helping others.

Until 8 days ago Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine.

Harry’s home town was bombed heavily. There were many fatalities and casualties. Homes destroyed, businesses demolished and lives lost.

Harry used one of his buildings as a shelter for him, his wife Alina, her daughter Halyna and her 8 year old son Timofii. He managed to get 70+ others to safety including many children and stray dogs! There is a cellar in the building which they used as a bomb shelter in which they spent most of their time as the air raid siren was warning them constantly to get to safety.

A couple of days ago there was a temporary ceasefire, albeit a few hours, but they used this time to flee from there war torn town to get to safety. They managed to reach Moldova after a 12 hour drive and 18 checkpoints and sheer uncertainty that they would get there safely.

A stranger as welcomed them in to their home. The kindness of real people always surpasses my expectations. A complete opposite to Putin.

I am in the process of helping harry to get back to the UK. Although this is a difficult task with many phone calls from me to the home office and then relaying the information back to Harry.

Alina has had to leave her 18 year old son Nazar in Ukraine because legally he has to stay and fight as does Halyna’s husband and Timofii’s father.

If and when they arrive in the UK they will have nothing but the clothes they are wearing.

I am asking for any help you can give to help their tragic plight that will help them to start a safer life here.

Thank you