A very personal insight from refugees....

[Ally]

The beautiful hotel I've just spent three days at has taken in 53 Ukrainians.

All women with children.

My friends and I sat talking with them yesterday afternoon for over an hour and I was very humbled by these strong women and their lovely kids.

They told us all their husbands are over there fighting, they arrived in Spain 4 weeks ago to the hotel as the hotel had said they'd help them.

Told us all about being given literally ten minutes to pack up and leave their homes and lives in Ukraine.

The children of school age are already attending a local school and learning Spanish.

Some of them were sitting in the lounge area doing their homework on Monday when two UK boys, aged 12 and 14, befriended them and the Ukrainian children were loving looking at the UK boys iPads/tablets.

The UK boys were leaving the next day and in an act of pure kindness handed over their devices for the kids to keep.

We heard lots of stories from the women of the terror they felt and the awful hardships before they were able to leave.

Of how incredibly grateful they are that so much help and assistance is being offered.

On 31 May the Red Cross is moving them to Torremolinos to a hostel where I'm sure they'll continue to be strong and face whatever comes next.

It was an incredibly humbling experience being with them.

As we were sitting at dinner last night we wondered what we could do to help.

When we got back to the hotel we asked reception if we could give a bit of money and they said yes that would be very welcome so we all put in fifty euros and the receptionist said it'll be used this weekend as some of the staff are taking some of the ladies shopping as they're desperate for clothes for themselves and their children so we know the money will be used exactly as we'd hoped it would and that's to help in any way we could.

As I left the hotel this morning to come home to my peaceful village I felt an extra pull of gratitude that I am able to do so.

[JanB]

It's very humbling, isn't it Ally and what sacrifices they've had to do.

Ourique has quite a few refugees, all integrated very well with the schools and locals.

[saundra]

Ally there are some terrible things happening in Ukraine
That people have to endure
I'm so glad you spoke with them and gave them comfort and support many hugs

[Kaz]

Ally that's put tears in my eyes! What lovely kids to hand over their devices like that.It is very humbling, and what the Ukranians are going through is terrible

[jenniren]

The sacrifices they've had to make are very humbling, we can only imagine how awful it's been for them having to leave their homes in such a rush. Lovely gesture from the boys and from you and your friends Ally xx

[cromwell]

That was a very decent thing to do Ally.

[TheOstrich]

Thanks for posting that, Ally.
Both humbling and inspiring in so many ways ....

[Workingman]

Yes, Ally, well done to all - you, your friends, other guests, and let's not forget the hotel and staff.

[Kaz]

That was a very decent thing to do Ally.

Here here!

[miasmum]

You just feel for them and I am proud of people like those children and you and your friends Ally x