How a Ukrainian refugee found her home in travel

After leaving her home in Bucha six months ago, Mila Udod is now providing customer support for ticket software company TygTickets after settling in Cumbria.

The 29-year-old fled the Kyiv region with her husband and 10-year-old son after a host family in the north-west offered their home.

"I had a few jobs in Ukraine including working as an English teacher and working for an American company on transportation and logistics, so it was easier for me as I spoke the language," Udod said.

"My husband found things more difficult, but he is learning English and has found work on a farm, and we are happy we have an opportunity to live a safe life here."

In Ukraine, Udod worked for flight ticketing company, which she said made the transition to TygTickets "easier".

"It is a friendly, small office and it is satisfying to help customers when they have a query about the way the system works," she continued. 

"Our family members and most of our friends are still in Ukraine, and things are not good there at all. The children don’t have the opportunity to go to schools and universities because of the rockets flying over their heads.

"At the moment, people don’t have electricity most of the day, which affects heating. They have difficulty with water supplies and many people lost their jobs with the beginning of the war."

Udod said her and her family "made the right decision to leave", as her son can now safely attend school and a local boxing club. 

"Our family feel safe here, thanks to the huge support of the UK and the kindness of the British people," she said.