I’m a mother, grandmother, wife and still a daughter.  Having qualified in child development, I have started 2 businesses and in 2007 founded a charity with my husband and others serving disadvantaged children in Romania which we ran for 14 years. 

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Like many others from the UK, I wanted to do what I can to welcome refugees from Ukraine, and recognise the need to support our generous UK hosts as well.  I was delighted to meet the like-minded people in this team and am loving working with them to provide a safe, supportive network.

In trying to find a Ukrainian family I could sponsor I met these fabulous people and together we founded NFHU. A Ukrainian family moved in with my husband and I on 3rd April so I've first hand experience of being a host.

An electronic engineer, I have 15 years of technology programme management experience, coupled with several years as a Citizens Advice caseworker working with clients with severe and enduring mental health problems. I recently led a community project, raising £650,000 of funding and building a strong community team.

A Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience as a chief executive in major retail organisations. Currently a non-executive/trustee in the health, education and charity sectors.

When the atrocities started in Ukraine I wanted to do something constructive to help. With millions of refugees being displaced our family decided we would be Sponsors. Through this I found, and then became part of, this wonderful group.

I have lived in The New Forest for 15 years, working part time locally whilst raising my wonderful children. I have experience in setting up a successful software company which now employs 100+ people, more recently I've been involved in online retail.

My husband and I currently sponsor two lovely Ukrainians matched through New Forest Homes for Ukraine. It only seemed natural with my experience as a volunteer in the local community, to help Ukrainian refugees coming to the local area by joining the New Forest Homes for Ukraine team.

I moved to the New Forest area seven years ago, following a career as a senior manager in the corporate world and civil service. Since moving here, I have been pro-active in the local community. I am currently a volunteer ranger for Forestry England in the New Forest, on the committee for a local beekeeping association and have been a governor for a local school.