A Ukrainian grandfather living near Spalding is heading back to his homeland to fight against the Russian forces.
Andrew Muryn-Antonyshyn, (56) has a daughter and two grandchildren in the country and his son-in-law Oleh is already fighting.
His daughter, Olia and her two children Zahar and Sofia, aged eight and 16, are in Kamianka-Buzka in the west of the country.
“It is my home country. My grandchildren and elder daughter are there and I tried to help get them out,” he said.
He has re-homed his collection of 300 fancy pigeons which he has been collecting since he was a boy.
Andrew said irrespective of whether or not he could get his daugher out, he would still be going to fight.
He will leave his wife Oksana, son Danny (20) and daughter Daniella (6).
“I am very worried. No-one can predict what Russia can do.
“But Ukrainian people are very organised and everyone is doing their bit,” said Oksana.
He is planning to go to Ukraine at the end of this week to ensure his family is safe and come out.
Andrew will then head to the front line to join forces protecting Ukraine.
The leader of South Holland District Council has called on the Government to remove visa restrictions on refugees fleeing the war.
Lord Porter spoke in the House of Lords on Monday and said our country was ‘now not a world leader in looking after the people of Ukraine.’
He told peers that the refugees were not ‘spies or traitors’ and urged for the removal of the current restrictions.
“These are genuine people, fleeing what is only to be described as terror in their own country,” he said.
“These are relatives of the people already living in this country and we should make sure they can get here quickly and uninterrupted,” he added.
The removal of restrictions was backed by peers, and some restrictions were relaxed by the Prime Minister on Tuesday.
Fundraiser Harold Payne is set for seven days of collecting to raise money for the Red Cross in Poland.
Mr Payne, of the Anglia Motel, Fleet Hargate, will start at Tesco in Holbeach on Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
He is willing to travel to any supermarket in the county in his tracked vehicle – which does two miles to the gallon – at no cost. Contact him on 07530 006867.
“The Red Cross in Poland is helping the refugees and all the money will go there,” he said.
Watching the news on the fighting in Ukraine spurred mum Rebecca Roberts into setting up a JustGiving page.
She said: “With two little ones at home, it really tugged at my heart strings.
“I can’t begin to imagine what the families over there are going through and so I’ve set up this fundraiser so we can show our support to Ukrainians.
“The money will go directly to the British Red Cross Ukrainian appeal.”
Rebecca moved to Pinchbeck from Boston three years ago and has appealed to friends in both places to get behind her campaign.
She has raised £95 of her £1,000 target so far.
To make a donation search Rebecca Roberts on JustGiving.
