TWO Ukrainian refugees are slowly adapting to their new life in Bradford after a selfless Wilsden woman welcomed them into her home.

The mother and daughter were forced to flee their home city of Lviv as Russian missiles descended, leaving friends and family behind.

They were happy to give their names, but politely declined when the Telegraph & Argus asked if they were willing to share their stories.

Sarah Hillas has opened her doors to 54-year-old Hanna and her 22-year-old daughter Solomiia.

They are just two of 84 Ukrainian refugees now living in Bradford.

READ MORE: More visas approved for Ukrainian refugees to stay in Bradford

Sarah, 51, signed up for the Homes for Ukraine scheme and has been living with Hanna and Solomiia for just over two weeks.

“It was a big transition for them – at first, they were shellshocked”, said Sarah, who works in engineering.

“They had woken up to Lviv being hit by missiles. They packed whatever they could in ten minutes and left. They stayed with a friend in Poland for two weeks before coming here.

“On Easter Sunday, as both ladies are Catholic, we went to the Ukrainian Catholic Church near Lister Park, and they absolutely loved it.

“They really like Bradford and were shocked at how many people of Ukrainian descent live here.

“Everyone on our housing development also knew they were coming, so everyone put Ukrainian flags in their windows, which meant a lot.”

Hanna was a cook in Ukraine, while Solomiia was studying for a master’s degree.

Hanna does not speak any English, although Solomiia is fluent.

“They are both keen to integrate. Hanna has been going to the Ukrainian Club on Legrams Lane for English lessons”, said Sarah.

“I’ve also noticed they are now getting out on their own more. They took the bus to Keighley for the first time the other day, so they’re obviously feeling comfortable and more confident.”

But the situation back home is still heavy on Hanna’s and Solomiia’s minds, Sarah added.

“It has been stressful, as they still have family in Ukraine – Solomiia’s grandma wouldn’t leave”, she said.

“They have a nephew who is fighting on the front line – they are concerned about him. They have regular contact, which helps a bit.”

Sarah added that the living arrangements have not presented any challenges for her.

“I expected it to be harder”, she said.

“Maybe we haven’t got to the hard parts yet, but it’s been fine – we’re not fighting over bathrooms or anything like that.

“They both feel really welcome in Bradford.”

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