Twice Saved by Care: Victoria and Andrii’s Story of Family, Safety, and New Life

We were matched with truly extraordinary sponsors — and those words are not an exaggeration. They are an incredible family with strong traditions, warmth, and deep respect for one another. Highly educated, open-minded, and kind, they welcomed us into a home filled with genuine care.

Once again, the wonderful Nadiia was there to guide us. As shelling in Kyiv became more frequent and louder, my family and I made the decision to leave for England with our baby.

“Twice — quite literally — my mental health and sense of safety were saved by the USPUK team.”

In Viktoria`s own words:

This story begins in 2022, in wartime Kyiv. And I know exactly how it might have ended — had this incredible team from USPUK not appeared on our path, by God’s grace, at exactly the right moment.

I met my future husband, Andrii, during that difficult period. Circumstances separated us almost as soon as we had begun to get to know each other. Andrii is a seafarer, and he left for a work, planning to relocate to England, where his son from a previous marriage was already living. I remained in Kyiv — without electricity, under regular heavy shelling.

Despite everything, we continued our warm and trusting communication by phone. During one of those conversations, Andrii told me that a woman with a beautiful name — Nadiia (USPUK consultant) — was helping him move to England. Later, it was Nadiia who became our guide. With her gentle, calm voice, she supported us, reassured us, and helped us through every step.

Just over six months later, we received wonderful news: a sponsor had been found for me. Soon after, I received the documents that allowed me to travel freely to the UK.

We were matched with truly extraordinary sponsors — and those words are not an exaggeration. They are an incredible family with strong traditions, warmth, and deep respect for one another. Highly educated, open-minded, and kind, they welcomed us into a home filled with genuine care.

Imelda and Don — radiant and full of light ❤️.

From the very first moment, they and their sons never made us feel like guests, or like we were in a foreign country. My mother was very worried about my move — understandably so — and our hosts repeatedly sent her greetings and reassurances that I was safe, cared for, and protected.

They created an environment of complete comfort and rest for us. I learned so much from these people. They will forever remain, for me, a symbol of family values and human kindness — the gentlest, warmest England.

After four months with this wonderful family, Andrii needed to leave again for work. By that time, I was already pregnant. As I still needed to complete my studies at an academy in Kyiv, we decided that I would return to Ukraine, while Andrii went back to sea.

In January, four months pregnant, I returned to Kyiv. In April, I graduated and received my diploma. In June, our daughter was born. We agreed that after the birth, I would stay in Kyiv for a couple of months to adapt to motherhood.

And how great was my surprise when I learned that our English host family was happy — truly happy — to welcome us back again.

That was when a new chapter of anxious but hopeful preparations began. Once again, the wonderful Nadiia was there to guide us. As shelling in Kyiv became more frequent and louder, my family and I made the decision to leave for England with our baby.

What the USPUK team — together with Nadiia — managed to do next was nothing short of incredible. In September, we received our daughter’s visa.

Twice — in the most literal sense — the USPUK team saved my nervous system and my mental health by providing safety. The first time, by playing a vital role in my personal life and helping unite our family. The second time, by taking us out of a loud, frightening Kyiv and bringing us to my husband — and our daughter’s father.

I do not have enough words to thank Nadiia for her humanity, responsiveness, sensitivity, and kindness toward me and my child. I wish you only warmth and joy for you and your loved ones. And may you always arrive on time — because in our story, you arrived exactly when we needed you most. By God’s grace, through your hands, a great happiness became possible.

If you'd like to help more families like this one, please consider supporting us at uspuk.org/donate

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.