On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 6:00am Pink - Don't Let Me Get Me Schedule

Charity Event At Barton Estate Raises Funds For Displaced Ukrainians

A bank holiday weekend reception held at Barton Manor in support of Ukrainian refugees raised in excess of £6,000 for East Cowes charity MAD-Aid.

Hosted by Dawn and Alex Haig Thomas and organized in association with Medina Publishing and Bookshop of Cowes, the event on Saturday April 30 was attended by more than 140 people.

The evening included a piano recital by classically trained Island musician Tom Nuckley who played two pieces composed by Kyiv-born composer Reinhold Glière.

Volunteers, including two Ukrainian pupils from Ryde School, served canapés with a Ukrainian twist and award-winning wine from Moldova.

Since the Russian invasion MAD-Aid has sent 13 trucks of medical equipment, food and bedding from the Isle of Wight to Moldova and into Ukraine across the border.

The charity plans to use the funds raised at the event to buy fridges, microwaves and washing machines for the refugees now living in neighbouring Moldova.

During her recent visit to Moldova, MAD-Aid founder and CEO, Victoria Dunford, saw 80 displaced Ukrainians sharing one fridge.

She said:

"With hotter conditions, refrigeration is becoming more essential to keeping food donations fresh and these items will help Ukrainian displaced people get better living conditions.

"Once more the people of the Isle of Wight have demonstrated that kindness does not have any border."

More from Isle of Wight News