Carlisle youngsters raise funds to help support UA.ANTS project

Sisters Nicoletta Stoica, 9 and Emilia, 6, have so far danced, cycled, and most recently embarked on a 5km walk hoisting the Ukrainian flag around Whinlatter Forest to raise awareness for UA.ANTS - a group set up to help families of soldiers who have died whilst defending Ukraine.

So far, the girls have raised £320.

The girls, along with their mother, Ukrainian-born Alla, recently visited Zakarpattia, a small village in the mountains, known as 'the safest region of Ukraine' at the moment. 

It was there the Stoica family discovered the volunteer-ran group who are currently in the process of organising a camp for mothers and children to get some respite as the war rages on. Sisters Emilia & Nicoletta in Ukrainian national shirts at UA.ANTS Anthill shelter. (Image: Supplied)

"I talk to my kids a lot about the war in Ukraine, and they cried and supported me a lot," Alla said. 

"I showed this video of the camp being set up to them and they asked how they could help. 

"We want to try and raise some funds but we can not do it without you," she said. 

Nicoletta, and Emilia are joined by Kira, who arrived in Cumbria after fleeing occupied territory (Image: Supplied)

Along the way, the girls have been joined by six-year-old Kira, a new friend who arrived after she came to Cumbria with her mum after escaping occupied territory in Ukraine, Melitopol. 

Alongside the 30 minutes of daily exercise of their choice, the children will also be selling some of the toys to be contributed to the fund. 

"If you can help, please help my kids raise some funds for Ukrainian kids who are facing unimaginable grief. 

"Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in their lives," Alla said. 

To donate to the GoFundMe, visit https://gofund.me/fb2fed2a