Saxmundham woman thanks community for providing gifts to Ukrainian guests

A woman from Saxmundham has thanked her community for donating items to the Ukrainian refugees she has taken in.

Nicole Conson, 52, has received bundles of toys, clothes, toiletries and more since taking in a mother and her daughter on Friday.

She has offered refuge to Lilia, 34, and Sofia, 6, from Myrhorod, in the Poltava region of Ukraine, who were fleeing the war - leaving friends and family behind.

Nicole said: "We are overwhelmed with everyone's generosity. Sofia has loved trying on all the clothes and she has toys to play with. So a huge thank you from us all."

Lilia and Sofia's journey from Ukraine to the UK took three days, including a 13-hour train ride across their home country.

The situation at home is so dangerous that the young girl had yet to attend school, only having the opportunity to try and learn virtually amid the disruptions.

Fortunately, she was enrolled in Saxmundham Primary School, and started there on Monday.

Sofia and her mother have even been offered free tennis lessons at the nearby courts.

Nicole added: "They could only carry 20kg of luggage between them so I thought I would ask for community help.

"A Facebook post I made got nearly 100 responses, with people dropping off a great deal of items.

"Strangers have dropped off both clothes and toys, and not just things for Sofia, but also Lilia.

"Some of my friends have also donated cash so the mum can buy things for herself and her daughter until she has access to work or benefits."

One of the items donated was a swimming costume for young Sofia, which the family celebrated with a day at the beach.

She has also received a bike, a scooter, a toy otter that she loves, as well as colouring books and a school uniform.

She said: "Lilia said people in Ukraine are not as open, especially since the war began.

"I can’t imagine what it must be like to leave your husband, friends and close family members to bring your child to safety in another country and the emotions that must bring, coupled with the trauma of family."

Lilia described the situation in Ukraine as terrible, which forced them to flee the county.

She said she was incredibly grateful for everyone who helped them.

Lilia added: "Upon our arrival, we were provided with everything. Nicole took care of us.

"People started bringing us clothes, shoes, cosmetics, backpacks for school.

"One man, Gary, bought new school shoes for now and for the winter, and another brought a bicycle for my daughter.

She said many people in the town are friendly.

There are even arrangements being made for them to connect with another Ukrainian family in the town.