Dmytro Verekh

A young boy, Dmytro (Dima) Verekh who endured a terrifying journey across Ukraine in fear of missile attacks has found safety and a full life in Reading.

Dima, aged 10,  was born in Kyiv, said his nominator for the Child of Courage award sponsored by De Vere Wokefield Estate who told the tale of his escape.

On a morning in February in 2022, he and his family woke to explosions near Boryspil as Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, they said.

“In shock, they fled to a nearby village, hoping the war would end quickly. But as military aircraft began flying overhead, Dima’s parents decided it was too dangerous and chose to leave the country.

“Their journey to the Polish border was long and terrifying, with endless traffic and the fear of missile strikes,” they said.

At the crossing, Dima had to say goodbye to his father, who remained in Ukraine. The family waited in freezing temperatures for over 24 hours.

Volunteers provided hot drinks and food, but the experience was traumatic, and Dima even fell asleep standing from exhaustion.

After crossing into Poland, chaos struck again when Dima was nearly separated from his mother while boarding a crowded bus.

Eventually, they reached a volunteer centre and later travelled to Reading, with the help of British volunteers.

“There, a kind host welcomed them into her home,” said the nominator.

“Dima struggled at first at school with no English… wishing to return to Ukraine.

“Gradually, he adapted, helped by teachers, his host, and later, Reading Ukrainian School Lastivka, where he felt at home again.

“Now Dima speaks English, excels in Maths, and enjoys football, swimming, Scouts, and Ukrainian folk dance with the ensemble Balamuty, which performs in Reading and across the UK. He dreams of returning to a free Ukraine one day,” they said.