A young Ukrainian refugee family has managed to get a roof over their heads in Keswick – just in time for Christmas.
A month ago, the Reminder revealed how the Sorin family of mum Anastasiia, dad Bogdan and two young children Illia and Elina, faced being uprooted again having been unable to find a place to rent in the town.
The problem loomed in a year of disruption during which they have lived in their home country Ukraine, Poland, Denmark, and with a host family in Keswick.
The family, as the couple do not drive – faced the ordeal of having to give up jobs in Keswick and uproot their children from school having just got them settled in at St Herbert’s.
But now the family of four are safely in a three-bed property in the town’s back streets area following the article.
Word reached kind-hearted Keswick man, George Sibson, aged 77, who was seeking a new tenant for his property and kindly agreed to rent it to the Sorins at a reduced rate.
Having seen the devastation in Ukraine, George wanted to do something to help and got in touch after an intermediary made the link.
It is a big relief for the refugee family who have done more than enough moving for a lifetime and have spent just over six months with a host family in Keswick – David Williams, a former vicar, and wife Gaynor, a retired GP.
Gaynor, of Penrith Road, Keswick, whose family have formed a close bond with the Sorins, said: “We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome as they are literally two minutes’ walk from us which means we can continue to see and support them and that they can carry on their jobs in Keswick and continue with the life they have made here.
“Our concern was that they would have to move out of town and start all over again with new schools and new jobs, so it’s fantastic they have got a place in Keswick and they are really delighted.
“We are most grateful both to George and the newspaper for running the story and on behalf of the family would like to say thank you.”
