A 40-year-old Ukrainian author and refugee, recently published a poignant story about a fleeing mouse family, with proceeds going towards a charity helping animals affected by the ongoing war in her home country.

Maryna Linda and her two children, found refuge and kinship in Sunningdale after fleeing war-torn Ukraine in April 2022.

"We found a lovely family here in Sunningdale who invited us to their house. They were incredibly kind and we lived with them for the first several months," she said.

The family was later reunited with her husband in the UK, and they now live independently.

Interestingly, Linda penned her award-winning children's book, 'Shunya and The Wheat Grain,' before the conflict in her homeland.

"This story, which has been published in Ukraine, was written in January 2022 before the war started," Linda explained.

The narrative mirrors the lives of many Ukrainian families fleeing warfare and separation, a tragic parallel made all the more profound with Linda herself becoming a wartime refugee.

Despite the hardships, Linda maintains a positive outlook and is determined to use her talent in literature for a noble purpose.

"I am running a charity project with these books and consciously chose to publish them in Ukraine because it helps me to support Ukrainian publishing businesses," Linda stated.

"The profits from her book are donated to aid animals affected by the conflict.”

Richard Burgess, editor of the English version of Linda's book said: "During the time that I have known her, I have been continually inspired by Maryna’s passion for literature and her courage and resilience in the face of adversity."

Burgess vocally supports Linda's aspirations to reach a broad audience with both her personal and published stories.

Linda acknowledges the challenges of the transition, particularly in language barriers.

She expressed her deep gratitude for the welcoming Sunningdale family and emphasized how their kindness had helped them settle into a new life in Berkshire.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Linda also spends her time teaching children displaced by the conflict at the Bracknell Ukrainian Hub, preserving the connection to their Ukrainian roots.

Through her creativity, compassion, and resilience, Maryna Linda has not only shared a moving narrative inspired by her experiences but used it as a force for good, helping others affected by the war and supporting businesses in her native Ukraine.

It is a testament to her spirit and the power of storytelling, touching countless hearts across borders.