Mariia and her daughter`s story

“I couldn’t believe that someone in another country could welcome strangers into their home.”

Deb and Sandy went above and beyond to help. From showing them around the most beautiful towns and castles — including Oxford, Olney, and various London museums — to helping Mariia’s daughter enrol in English classes, their kindness never stopped.

A story of hope, kindness, and unexpected friendship

When Mariia fled Ukraine with her family over a year ago* (*spring 2022) , life felt completely hopeless. The war had destroyed everything — their home, their future, their sense of safety. “It felt like everything we had built collapsed,” she recalls. “I couldn’t believe that someone in another country could welcome strangers into their home.”

But then they met Deb and Sandy — the UK sponsors who not only opened their doors but also their hearts.

From disbelief to connection

In May, while in Poland, Mariia registered for the Homes for Ukraine scheme. “I didn’t really believe anything would come of it,” she admits. Months passed, and the family had almost forgotten about the application. Then, unexpectedly, a message came through — a sponsor family had responded.

Their first online meeting changed everything.

“I immediately felt they were kind and genuine people. I hoped we would get along, but I couldn’t imagine just how close we would become.”

It was a difficult decision to move to a completely new place, but Mariia’s instincts were right — it turned out better than she ever expected.

A home full of shared passions

The families soon discovered they had more in common than they thought. They played board games together in the evenings, bonded over music — both Mariia and her daughter play the piano — and enjoyed deep conversations about history, politics, and culture.

“We loved exchanging our traditions and learning more about each other’s worldviews. Our hosts even got us interested in nature — we began watching birds, frogs, and other wildlife with them. It became a shared hobby.”

Through these everyday moments, Mariia and her family began to understand British culture, history, and traditions more deeply.

Support beyond expectations

Deb and Sandy went above and beyond to help. From showing them around the most beautiful towns and castles — including Oxford, Olney, and various London museums — to helping Mariia’s daughter enrol in English classes, their kindness never stopped.

“They allowed us to use everything in their home, made sure we felt welcome, and never stopped offering help. And we try to respect their space, to be independent, and not take their generosity for granted.”

What started as a hosting arrangement grew into something more — a genuine friendship and a sense of belonging.

“We feel like a real part of the family. We’ve been incredibly lucky.”

A bond that will last

When asked if she would change anything, Mariia doesn’t hesitate:

“If I could go back in time and choose new sponsors, I would choose them again without question. They’re the best sponsors in all of England. Words, emotions — even a lifetime — wouldn’t be enough to thank them.”

You can make a difference

At USPUK, we support not only Ukrainian families on their journey to the UK but also the generous hosts who open their homes to them. From the moment they register on our website throughout their hosting experience, we are here to help.

If you’d like to help someone on their journey to a new beginning, consider becoming a host today. Visit our Become a Host page to learn more.