Anna and her young boys Ivan, 11, and Maxim, 8, have escaped hell in Ukraine for safety in Montenegro, where Anna’s sister-in-law Alevtina (our daughter’s dancing teacher) has lived for several years. They arrived late on Tuesday carrying only three small backpacks and their three kittens. They urgently need financial support to be able to rebuild their lives in Montenegro while they are unable to go home. Anna’s husband has had to stay behind to fight.

Three weeks ago, this young family were living a normal life in Bucha, a town close to Kyiv. Anna is a classically trained musician and taught music at their local school. Husband Maxim worked as a sound producer and engineer. The boys were studying in 3rd and 5th grade (years 4 and 6 in the UK system). Ivan loved breakdancing, taking any chance to practice. The war has turned their lives upside down.

When the bombing started, the family had to abandon their home and spent a week hiding in a cold basement, shivering and afraid. A week later, they got the chance to escape with just 5 minutes to pack. They left their whole lives behind, saying tearful goodbyes to dad/husband and embarked on a difficult, 7-day journey across Europe to reach Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital city.

Waiting for them were Alevtina (the kids’ aunt and our friend), Leo (their cousin) and Lilia (the kids’ grandma), happy and relieved to see them.

This family have been so brave. Now they need help to live independently in Montenegro until it is safe to go back. It won’t be soon. Even when the war ends, there will be land mines to clear.

Montenegro is a poor country without funds to give to refugees or host families. This family need financial support to rent a small place in Podgorica, pay the bills, get internet connected, buy food and the technology and other items they need for basic living. Anna also needs help to purchase an electric piano and a violin so she can start giving classes and making an income.

It is impossible to see the devastating scenes coming out of Ukraine and not want to do something. We’re setting up this JustGiving page as a way for you to sponsor a family in need, who we know directly, and transform their lives with immediate support and kindness.

Anna, Ivan and Maxim need help now. Every donation made to this appeal will go them.