We had a call from Chris in late March 2022 letting us know he was in Poland and not at home in Cheltenham. He had been staying with me and his dad Rob in Cornwall that February while he recuperated from a small eye operation. During that time, Russia invaded Ukraine and we noticed he was immersed in the news about it.
We found out after he had gone to Poland that he had been touring army and navy shops, buying gear to help the Ukrainians.
He took it back to Cheltenham, where he was working as a running coach, gave up his job and got a flight to Warsaw. He told us not to worry as he was just helping with logistics.
Chris was always active and sporty and very principled. Even from a young age, he would support the underdog. I suppose it wasn't a surprise that he felt compelled to go, although he had never done aid work before.
In Poland, Chris met an American, Brandon, who had a company in Ukraine but wasn't allowed over the Poland/Ukraine border to check on his employees in a hire car. Chris said he'd buy a van and they would go together.
SAVING CIVILIAN LIVES
For the first few months, Chris told us he was based on the Polish border as he didn't want to worry us. But we later learnt he was staying with Brandon and his team in Lviv, and Brandon sponsored him to continue his aid work. It was there that Chris met a Ukrainian woman, Ola, who became his girlfriend. We were pleased he'd met someone and he seemed very happy.
We knew Chris would want to do as much as possible to make a difference, and he ended up at the front line helping people to escape. He told our daughter Kate, 31, what he was doing but she was sworn to secrecy to stop us worrying.
Denne historien er fra June 10, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 10, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
