Ukrainian’s across the U.K. celebrated Vyshyvanka Day over the weekend. Traditionally Vyshyvanka Day is celebrated on the third Thursday in May. However, many celebrated over the weekend to make it easier for Ukrianian’s and their host families to join in the fun together.
Taking part in the celebrations that were held at Singleton Park, Swansea, is Olga Boyko and her family. In the image Olga, who is from Boryspol, Kyiv region, holds her beautiful newborn baby, Stephanie, who was born in Carmarthen just three weeks ago.
Heavily pregnant and accompanied with her two other children, Olga spent three days on a train to be able to join her host family in Wales. Olga explains, “We are hosted by a lovely family, Matthew and Annabel Poul from Llandovery, whom kindly open the door of their house and helped us stay safe during the war in Ukraine. My children and I came to Wales on the 4th of April.
My mom, Valentina, was also staying with us during this time, because my husband, Oleksandr, was only able to join us two days ago. All this time staying here we have met very nice and kind people, everyone wants to help us and support Ukraine. We are very thankful British people for everything that they do for us.”
Featuring: Olga Boyko
Where: Swansea, United Kingdom
When: 21 May 2022
Credit: Joann Randles/Cover Images