In Kharkiv, a region that comes under daily strikes from missiles and drones, Olga, a devoted mother, has spent years caring for her son Nikita with love and determination. From Nikita's infancy through childhood, she lifted, carried, and bathed him on her own. But as he grew into his teenage years, his size began to make daily care, especially bathing, painfully difficult.

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When Mandy Haynes, Lead of New Forest for Ukraine and a Care Worker in the UK, heard about Olga's struggle, she immediately recognised the challenge. Drawing on her experience and compassion, Mandy and the NFFU team worked together to provide a practical solution.

Through donations from a few NFFU volunteers and charity funds, a specialised bathing seat was purchased and, just a few weeks later, delivered directly to the family home in Kharkiv along with a personalised full care kit. This single delivery has transformed Olga and Nikita’s daily routine.

 

Olga shared her gratitude with moving words:

“This is incredible. Bathing has never been so easy and enjoyable. My hands are free to do whatever they need to do, and my back says thank you so much. A huge thank you to New Forest for Ukraine for such invaluable assistance! With your support, kind hearts, and bright smiles, we will surely walk our paths with dignity.”

Her message reminds us that even a small act of kindness can make an enormous difference. For this family, the bathing seat is more than just equipment. It's a gift providing dignity, independence, and hope, made all the more meaningful in a region that endures hardship every single day.

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Aid packages like this, along with the essential hygiene, medical and specialist food supplies, mean New Forest for Ukraine can't rely solely on its own volunteers. 

 

As Mandy says:

“It requires community support with ongoing financial contributions. Every pound donated provides practical, life-changing support to families living through the most difficult of circumstances.” 

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We thank everyone in our community. Making a difference together. Delivering a Future of Hope.