Family of British volunteer missing in Ukraine say they're 'very proud' but 'concerned'

The family of a British voluntary worker who has gone missing in Ukraine have spoken of their pride in his work, but expressed concern for his health and whereabouts.

Ukrainian national police said Chris Parry, 28, went missing on Friday with fellow Briton Andrew Bagshaw, 48, while travelling to Soledar in eastern Donetsk, where heavy fighting has been reported.

In a statement released by the Foreign Office, the family said: "We are very worried and concerned about the health and whereabouts of Chris right now.

"He is an extraordinary person who is compassionate and caring and would not be dissuaded from his work in Ukraine liberating elderly and disabled people, which we are very proud of.

"We, his family and partner, all love him very much and would be grateful if our privacy could be respected at this difficult time."

Chris's mum said earlier she still feels "very raw".

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Chris with a mother and her son who he helped to evacuate from the frontline in Ukraine (Western Daily Press)

She told MailOnline: "It's all very raw at the moment. We are just trying to inform family members about what is going on."

Dad Robin said: "We are all very proud of Chris and the work he has been doing."

Chris, who was reportedly born in Truro, Cornwall, but later moved to Cheltenham, had previously spoken of evacuating people from the front line.

Chris originally flew into Ukraine from Poland with the intention of joining the military (Justgiving)

He told Sky News last year: "Sometimes, when you see some pretty terrible things it does stay with you."

Chris said his parents were "proud (but) very concerned" when he told them of his plans to go to Ukraine.

Andrew, a resident of New Zealand, was in Ukraine to assist in delivering humanitarian aid, according to New Zealand media reports.

A statement on behalf of his parents released to the press said: "Andrew is a very intelligent, independently-minded person, who went there as a volunteer to assist the people of Ukraine, believing it to be the morally right thing to do.

"Andrew's parents love him dearly and are immensely proud of all the work he has been doing delivering food and medicines and assisting elderly people move from near the battlefront of the war."

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the families of two British men who have gone missing in Ukraine."