Ride With Ukraine - 505 Laps Of Regents Park!
On the 24th February, Russia invaded Ukraine. The events that followed sent ripples of distress and anxiety through the Ukrainian community. I disengaged with the news just as I usually do with tragic world events. We’ve always been in conflict with Russia. Besides, if I can’t control it, why worry about it?
On March 1st Mum delivered my Birthday cake to work. We sat together in her car as she cried in despair over what was unfolding at home. The rain ran down the windshield as it sank in that this isn’t just news, this is hurting my mum, my family and my people.
My 78 year old Grandma Nina lives in Ukraine. We tried to work out if and how we should evacuate her to come live with us in London. On one hand civilians were being indiscriminately killed in the conflict.
On the other hand, Nina’s entire life was in that small village home. Her animals, her neighbours, her memories. Also the long journey was complicated and dangerous, especially for the elderly. She ultimately decided to stay home and support her country the best way she could.