A Ukrainian woman who fled the country with two of her children has thanked the people of Alsager for their kindness.

It's now more than nine months since Russia invaded the Ukraine, plunging the country and its people into chaos.

Ludmila Vitsynska and two of her children, her daughters who are aged 14 and 11, are living with a family in Alsager and works as a chef at Bod Alsager.

Sadly, the rest of her family are still living in the Ukraine and they will spend Christmas apart.

Recently, Ludmila held a fundraising evening at Bod featuring a special Ukrainian menu for the Ukraine.  

Alsager Nub News covered the story here,   https://alsager.nub.news/news/local-news/ukrainian-chef-cooks-up-a-stir-in-alsager-to-help-raise-funds-for-her-home-country-161330, telling how the Ukrainian evenings may become a regular feature.

A technologist working in a factory, Ludmila has always loved cooking and enjoys her role at the Crewe Road pub.

She told Alsager Nub News: "We had everything. We lived in a small industrial town in the south of the country.

"I worked as a technologist in a factory. The children studied at the best school in the city.

"They were fond of sport and we travelled a lot and had made plans for the future."

Sadly, the life which x and her family knew was torn apart "in a moment".

"The terrifying howl of air raid sirens and rocket explosions. I saw how my city was being destroyed.

"I saw the grief, pain and tragedy of the people living in it. I decided that my children should not see it.

"They need to live, learn and develop. I found out that the UK had opened visas for Ukrainians.

"We met a wonderful couple from Alsager who have helped us to adapt to a new country."

Although Ludmila is happy living in Alsager, she has fond memories of her home country and its lifestyle.

"Ukrainians are traditionally farming people, so the traditional menu consists of bread dishes and flour products.

"Our people are distinguished for their hospitality, so holidays are accompanied by family feasts.

"The country's generous sun and fertile soil allow various vegetables to grow."