31 years since Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union and six months since the country was invaded by Russia, one Ukrainian refugee who fled Kyiv in March and has since made Swindon her new home, Sofiia Volovyk, is embarking on a huge 589-mile walk from Swindon to the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis in Scotland, to raise £100,000 for Ukrainians across the UK and back in Ukraine.
Sofiia is leaving for the walk today, Ukraine’s National Independence Day, with fellow Ukrainian Borys Livshyts, who she met during a hiking event in 2020 in their home country.
After fleeing Kyiv in March, two weeks after the war began, Sofiia travelled through five countries and over 3,000 miles through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland, before finally arriving in the UK.
Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Councillor David Renard, said: “We are right behind Sofiia as she embarks on her big challenge. She will have the full support and backing of not only Swindon but all who hear her story. Good luck to her and Borys!”
Sofiia said: “I have been so welcomed by the people of the UK, and so I am dedicating this walk to help those we left behind, and also those that have landed and settled here. It is my dream to build a positive Ukrainian community here in the UK, and help rebuild the one back home too.
“Ukraine, as a nation, had to fight for its independence many years ago and now our fight for freedom from oppression has never been greater. Ukrainians have become modern day pilgrims and so my challenge represents our collective journey to safety.”
To donate to Sofiia’s charity hike, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sofiia-volovyk.
