Philanthropist, business leader and Phones 4U founder John Caudwell was joined by his partner, former Lithuanian Olympic cyclist Modesta Vzesniauskaite, on Sky News to tell morning presenter Kay Burley why they feel so compelled to sponsor a Ukrainian refugee family at their home in Staffordshire.
The refugees will have a self-contained, two-bedroom apartment in the coach house of Caudwell’s country estate, with all food, utilities and other care provided for as long as they need.
Modesta shared her personal memories and fears from when Russian soldiers invaded her native country when she was a child.
“Thirty years ago, when I was about seven years old, I remember very clearly, quite dramatic memories, thank god it was only a few days. I was at school, it was my first year, and the teacher said, run home as soon as possible, lock yourself in safe because the Russians are coming.”
She continued: “It’s still there in my heart” as she imagines what young mothers must be feeling fleeing Ukraine today with their children.
