A MUM decided to collect donations to help refugees in Ukraine after the news of a neonatal unit in Kyiv being moved into an underground car park “really hit home”.

Sarah Tricker, from Ilminster, started her collection as soon as “the news hit us”.

She has now managed to involve the whole community with Ilminster Football Club also taking part and Tesco storing the items collected so far.

Sarah said: “It started just over two weeks ago when the news hit us.

“I remember the Friday after it all started. Following on from the hideous news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and from seeing social media posts of a neonatal unit in an underground car park in Kyiv and resonating with this.

“My 9-month-old son was in the neonatal unit in Yeovil hospital straight after my caesarean.

“That really hit home and I remember lying in bed thinking ‘what can I do’?

“I found that I wanted to do something to help despite being many miles away. I have a wonderful Ukrainian friend and approached her 10 days ago to find out what was needed and what I could feasibly do.

“A collection seemed the only logical way forward, so I approached Tesco and the wonderful Helena assisted and they have started a collection and have given me some space in their warehouse to store items.

Sarah’s friend has contacts with the Ukrainian community in Essex.

Donations will be brought there by Sarah’s husband and then they will leave for Ukraine in about a month.

Sarah has been collecting first aid bandages, blankets, baby clothes, food, and pet food.

She is encouraging residents to bring the items to Tesco and Penhalagans, the two collection points.

She said: “I am overwhelmed in such a good way at just how big our town is and how close the community is and how generous and supportive everyone is. It’s heart-warming. Everyone has been so kind and generous.”