A woman praises the generous community as vans stand fully loaded to be sent to Ukraine from Bracknell.

Natalia Vil is one of the many Ukranian women in the UK terrified for her family after her husband left to visit his mother before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Following the news that Andrey was one of the many Ukrainian men who have been banned from leaving the country she has thrown herself into collecting donations.

The answering call from local residents has been outstanding.

With thousands still trapped within basements in small villages and 90% of houses destroyed Natalia is determined to help stranded refugees within her home country.

Mere days after the start of the war she had already collected two tonnes worth of items donated from kind members of the Bracknell community.

All donations have been welcome including shower gel, toothpaste, food, clothes and towels.

She commented on Facebook: “So many people are offering to help. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude.

“I was struck today by an older lady (probably in her 80s) who knocked on my door. She came leaning on a shopping trolley bag and from there she took out toothbrushes, combs and a baby blanket.

Bracknell News:

“It's all new, she said, and gave it to me promising that she would soon be back again. It was clear how difficult it was for her to walk, but the desire to help was stronger - it touched me to the core.

After noticing a shortage of medical supplies for the people of Ukraine, Natalia has launched a fundraiser to cover items such as first aid kits, bandages, and antiseptics, including money to cover transportation costs of the goods that have already been donated.

So far, they have raised £292 towards their £1000 goal.

In a Facebook post on March 2, Natalia said: ‘My morning doesn’t start with coffee anymore, it starts with making sure my reletives and friends in Ukraine are still alive…’