Couple from Newport in Prague support refugees fleeing Ukraine

“After she came back she said there was a desperate need there and with the number of people who are going to be arriving in the next two weeks we have to help,” Mr Ward said.

James and Olivia Ward fundraise for supplies for Ukrainian refugees.

“At first, I messaged friends and family asking for donations and went to pick up supplies for the center.

“We didn’t expect people to get involved the way they did. We now have over £5,000 in just two days. Most of it is £10, £20, £30 from people at home.

“I work as a teacher and when the job is done I go to the wholesalers to buy as many things as possible – diapers, clothes, non-perishables.”

James Ward is a teacher in Prague and raised funds to help refugees who fled Ukraine.

Mr Ward described the situation as “pretty grim” in Prague as thousands of refugees – mostly women and children – flee west across Europe to avoid war.

“The situation here is just very, very sad,” he said. “There are thousands of people arriving in Prague – mothers and children who had to leave their husbands and fathers to fight. And they arrive with nothing.

“There is a huge community effort here in Prague as well as everywhere.

“We offer our apartment as accommodation for refugees and our friends also offer their house.

Mothers and children arrived in Prague with nothing as they fled the Russian invasion.

“It’s pretty grim. As much as we try to be optimistic, I think everyone knows it’s not going to be a short term thing.

“It was people from Newport who sent the money, and we’re both from Newport and we source our supplies here. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who donated.

“There is a huge need here that will continue and continue.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser should contact Kevin Ward at kevin@kevinwardmedia.com or @KevinWardMedia on Twitter.