A mum from Wales is travelling to the Ukraine border to save four family members from the Russian invasion. Lana Ranns, 50, moved to west Wales in 2008 before settling in Cowbridge a few years ago. She hopes to travel to the Ukraine border to pick up four family members who have been forced out their homes due to the war.
"It's been horrible," beauty business boss Lana explained. "My daughter has tried escaping under shooting and bombs. She messages: 'Mama I'm scared, I can see horrible things all around' and she cries."
The stress of Lara's situation has been exacerbated after she tested positive for coronavirus. As soon as she recovers, hopefully by Wednesday, she will make the trip to the Ukraine-Slovenia border where she will pick up her daughter, grandson, and their dog as well as her daughter's husband's mother and aunt. "My daughter has escaped from the city," Lana explained, "She is away from the city in a bit of a safe place."
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Unfortunately Lana's father, who is 83, and his partner are trapped in a city that is surrounded and under constant attack. Lana's daughter has attempted to reach him but has been unsuccessful. "It is impossible," Lana explained. "Last week they tried to save him but it is not easy. I've just been crying, it has been so stressful. I spoke with [my father] – he is skinny, he is grey in colour, he has scary eyes. He broke my heart because I can't look. I'm so far away – I cannot help him."
Her father is too scared to leave due to the constant shelling and attacks. The family hope to return to Ukraine to rescue him once it is safer to do so. "When they are available we will pick up my dad," added Lana, who has been able to arrange her family's visas for them to join her in Wales. Lara hopes that once her family arrives and settles her daughter can join her in the family business.
A friend of Lana's has set up a fundraiser to aid with the costs of the trip. Lana added: "Everyone in Cowbridge and west Wales, my friends, my customers, they have been checking in asking how they are doing, helping me, and donating money. All I've been thinking about is saving them and picking them up – I didn't think about the money or how I would go."
