Boscombe pier hosts human chain for Ukraine

“We shouldn’t be here” was the message from the team behind campaign as money was raised for Ukrainian families in need.

Polish national Ewa Zabarylo has family on the Poland, Ukraine border and said the large turn out of people to the human chain at Boscombe pier showed unity.

She said: “These things should never happen, we shouldn’t be here in the first place. Since we are, it’s just to raise everyone’s feelings and say thank you for those helping everyone.

“Everyone needs to understand this war will not finish next week. If a block of flats was destroyed by a bomb, it will take years to rebuild it.

“Those people, they flee with nothing. Families are being disconnected, brothers, sisters, it’s heartbreaking.

“Every single one of us could be in the same situation.”

Ms Zabarylo said the needs of people fleeing Ukraine were regularly being assessed and people should check online for what items were best to donate.

She continued: “If anyone hasn’t been to the donation points, like in Castlepoint, you will feel all the emotions, it’s a place worth a visit.

“Whatever we collect today, they might not be needed in a few weeks time. The needs are being assessed on a day to day basis.

“Nobody will be turned down if they arrive with items for the people out there.

“This human chain is truly a message of unity and no more wars, enough, we’ve had enough.”

Ukrainian flags were flown high at the entrance to Boscombe Pier as a band played to the crowd.

Donation boxes were carried round while people held signs aloft reading “stop war” and “glory to Ukraine”.