THE Llandudno community has organised a fundraiser concert in the town to support those suffering in Ukraine.
Helen Denning, who grew up in Kyiv before moving to Britain in 2001, has helped arrange the event, which will be led by children from schools across Conwy on Friday, May 6 from 7-9pm.
Held at the Trinity Community Centre in Llandudno, it will feature singing, piano and harp playing and more, as well as a cake sale and raffle.
Tickets cost £5, with free entry for children aged up to 15, and any further donations also welcome.
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The proceeds from the concert will go to “Hospitallers”, a charity based in the UK and Ireland focused on sourcing and delivering medical supplies for paramedics saving lives in Ukraine.
Helen, who has family and friends still living in her home country, said this charity was recommended to her by a friend who had to flee Donetsk in 2014, and then relocate to Western Ukraine recently.
Helen, who was also involved in two recent marches for Ukraine at Llandudno promenade, said: “I still can’t believe it. In the morning, I wake up, and the first thing I think is that it was a dream.
“I have family in Kyiv and fortunately, they are well. I check with my family that they’re OK, then I check the news to see what’s happened overnight.
“It’s a constant feeling of nervousness, and not knowing what’s going to happen, and headaches because of too much thinking.
“Some days, I just feel completely like I can’t do anything; other days, I try to feel positive and keep busy, and help refugees. That takes your mind off thinking about all of the bad things happening in Ukraine.
“Even though my family is well, my mind is still very much affected by other parts of Ukraine. I’ve been living in Britain for 20 years now, and keep in touch with a few friends and my relatives.
“Many people are trying to help; I just like to do what I can do. I’ve just organised a couple of marches and the concert, and sent some humanitarian aid.”
Helen also thanked Councillor Carol Marubbi, deputy mayor of Llandudno, for her help in organising next weekend’s concert.
She added: “Carol has been a great help. Without her, this wouldn’t be possible.
“She’s offered the community centre for free, and has been very supportive in what we can do, has asked her friends to donate cakes, and has helped me with ideas, because I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Tickets for the concert are on sale at the Trinity Community Centre, which can also be reached by calling: 01492 875686.
For more information on Hospitallers, go to: www.hospitallers.co.uk.
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