Ukrainian family left astounded after huge turnout for rally

Anna Tkachenko fled Ukraine with her husband and three children in April 2022 after Russian forces mounted their invasion in the largest attack on a European nation since the Second World War.

She then made a mercy dash back to her home town in December of that year to rescue her mother, who had fallen unwell, and to bring her to live in Scotland.

Stewart McDonald and his wife opened his home to the family (Image: Tom Watt)

The family of five settled in with a family in Cardross, while Anna's mum moved in with a family in Helensburgh and is now living in her own flat in the town. 

Two years on from the brutal Russian invasion, and with no sign of an end to the war and mounting fears the United States could withdraw its support for Ukrainian forces, Anna organised a rally in Colquhoun Square on February 24.

And she admitted she was left speechless at the support shown by the local community.

Hundreds have people have died in the last two years (Image: Tom Watt)

People shared their personal stories on the day (Image: Tom Watt)

She told the Advertiser: "The war in Ukraine is not in the [national] news any more but it is still happening.

"I wanted to hold this event to remind people that we still need help. We still need people talking about what is happening for something to change.

"It went really good. It was amazing to have my friends respond to it.
Local communities across the area joined in to mark the day (Image: Tom Watt)

"The Ukrainian community in Drumfork shared their unity with us. They helped us a lot with ribbons and flags.

"It was the day to speak about Ukraine and share our personal stories."

During the event, Reverend Margaret McArthur of Cardross Parish Church gave a speech and prayed for people living in Ukraine.

Reverend Margaret McArthur of Cardross Parish Church (Image: Tom Watt)

Meanwhile, others shared their personal stories from the war, including Tatiana Velichko, who shared her story of the day a rocket hit a multi-storey building in the city of Dnipro and killed her friends. 

Former Helensburgh resident Stuart McKenzie, who lives in Edinburgh, but previously lived in Ukraine for nearly three decades, also attended the event.

The community in Helensburgh and Lomond showed their support (Image: Tom Watt)

Stuart started the Jeeps for Peace fundraiser to deliver all-terrain vehicles for the frontline.

To date, they have sent more than 200 Jeeps to Ukraine, and are planning to make their next trip there in a few months.

People wore the colours of Ukraine throughout the event (Image: Tom Watt)After the event, Anna's family travelled to Glasgow to participate in another event for her country.

"I just want to show everyone that we are good people," she added.

"I am always grateful to my friends and local communities who know us. We have been accepted in Helensburgh and I am so grateful for those living in all the local communities, including Cardross and Rosneath. 

There were a book where people could remember their loved ones who have died from the war (Image: Tom Watt)"I simply do not have words to express my gratitude.

"Many people who now live in Scotland just want to work and do our bit for this country. We stand for peace, and it is the one thing I want people to know.

"It was my first experience in hosting an event, but I don't think it will be the last, as there is still a long way to go until Ukraine is safe.

People gathered in Colquhoun Square for the rally on Saturday (Image: Tom Watt)"I particularly want to thank Stewart and Gillian McDonald, who have opened their home to us.

"Stewart made a wonderful speech about his experience hosting Ukrainians.

"A huge thank you also to Eilidh Steel and Mark Neal who provided us with the microphone and music."