Ukrainian mum thankful for Worcester residents' help

Vicky Yurchenko said she was left shocked by the response of Worcester locals

A Ukrainian woman has spoken of her thankfulness to people who helped her move to a new home.

Vicky Yurchenko, 37, recently moved into her own property after living with a host family in Worcester since 2022.

Her new home was bare so former host Geoff Sansome put out an appeal which led to people donating everything from furniture to pots and pans.

The help was even more appreciated as Mrs Yurchenko is pregnant with her second child.

She and daughter Kate fled Kyiv weeks after the conflict with Russia broke out leaving husband Max behind. But, after a two week visit to Ukraine in the summer to see him, she became pregnant.

"It is my big present from my husband on our summer holidays," she said.

"It is very unexpected but we are very happy."

Speaking on BBC Hereford & Worcester, Mrs Yurchenko said she had not expected so much help from residents.

• BBC Sounds: Vicky Yurchenko thanks those who sent donations and discussed her unexpected baby news

Her new home now has chairs, sofas, wardrobes, a cooker, curtains, pots and pans, plates and a TV all thanks to donations.

She added: "You start to appreciate this after visits back to home.

"The most important thing for us is it is safe."