PARENTS from the Forest’s Ukraine Community Hub have praised staff from a local coach company who helped their children enjoy a “carefree fun time” on a recent day trip, at what is a poignant time for Ukrainian people.

The families gave their heartfelt thanks to Jo, Phil and Tom of Cinderford-based firm Grindles Coaches after the company donated its time and resources to drive them from the Forest to Legoland Windsor for a day trip last Tuesday (August 30).

Hub organiser Karen Cockfield said the day out was “so much more” than just a fun trip for the families, but was a “therapeutic and healing” experience for them after Ukraine Independence Day in August.

While Independence Day was an opportunity for nationals and the rest of the world to show solidarity with the defiance of Ukrainian forces, it also bought home the tragedy that has been caused by Russia’s invasion, which has now endured for seven months.

The hub, which meets weekly at St Briavels Assembly Rooms, held an Independence Day event last Sunday (August 27), where they showed films of their homes before and after being bombed.

The mothers also gave “moving” speeches thanking their hosts for welcoming and supporting them in keeping their children safe.

Karen said: “The mothers are so very brave and protective and strong, but they need our continued assistance as they face the unknown now.”

She added that the families’ day out at Legoland provided the children with an opportunity to spend time with other Ukrainians, some of whom do not get to see their same speaking friends for weeks at a time.

Grindles’ general manager Tom Grindle said the team “did not hesitate” to help when Karen contacted them.

“Phil and the team were delighted to be able to help such a good cause and the Ukrainian families that have suffered so much”, he said.

“Everybody at Grindles hopes that their trip to Legoland provided them the time and respite to ease their minds of the traumatic events that have unfolded within the past seven months, whilst adapting to their new surroundings in the Forest of Dean.

“Our contribution is only small in comparison and we really take our hats off to the families that have opened their doors to the refugees in such an unsettling time.”

For more information about the hub and to offer support, search ‘Ukraine Community Hub’ on Facebook.