AS THEY celebrated their first Christmas in England, it’s hard to comprehend what Alina Muhsin and her family have been through over the last 12 months.
Putin’s invasion of their home country, Ukraine, saw Alina, her husband Munadil, mother, Halyna, and their two children, Amir and Ariana, forced to leave behind life as they knew it, and head for the Polish border.
Following a terrifying journey of uncertainty across central Europe, the Muhsins were finally offered sanctuary in a small town outside Bury some 1,700 miles from their hometown of Kyiv.
After learning of the family’s plight through a colleague at work, Karen Hopwood and Jim Eynon welcomed them into their home in July. At the time Alina and Munadil spoke next to no English, and their children were timid and scared.
Some four months later, the family have now moved into their own home in Ainsworth in Bury, and Alina and Munadil rely on Google Translate a lot less. Their children have settled into a new school and have began making friends.
Their gratitude towards the town that has welcomed them is touching, and their optimism in the face of immense hardship is inspirational. But that doesn’t mean life isn’t still incredibly difficult.
Alina’s brother, who works as a teacher, and his family remain, in Kyiv, a city which is increasingly under attack and more dangerous as each day passes, the mum-of-two fears.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LUXURY 'PARTY FLAT' IS HALTED
SKYSCRAPER APARTMENT A MAGNET FOR LOUD MUSIC AND DRUG TAKING
Club's 120 years of making history
CITY VENUE HAS INSPIRED AND TOUCHED GENERATIONS
'Another much loved part of the soul of the city is in need'
I WAS dispatched to Salford in 1988 as the district reporter for the MEN.
This light should never go out
SALFORD LADS CLUB IS IN FINANCIAL CRISIS - HELP US RAISE £250K TO ENSURE THIS VITAL INSTITUTION IS THERE FOR MORE YOUNGSTERS
Going the distance!
THE Manchester Half marathon has returned to the streets of Manchester as 24,000 runners attempt to tackle the 13.1 mile route in support of charities and organisations.
Mayor's devolved benefits shake-up
BURNHAM SEEKS CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT CASH IN NEW PLAN
Pensioner dies in taxi crash tragedy
AN ELDERLY woman has died after being struck by a taxi in Middleton.
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.