A Ukrainian family in a North East town are celebrating the birth of their baby six months after fleeing the war-torn country.

Baby Nazar, who was born to mum Iryna and dad Artem, arrived in the world at midday on Thursday, August 18, exactly six months after the Russian invasion in February.

The couple fled their home in the Donetsk region in the east of the country at the end of July with 6-year-old daughter Milana.

Iryna was already seven-months pregnant when they started the 1,500-mile journey to the North East.

40-year-old Artem was also in need of emergency treatment for a medical condition.

The Northern Echo: Dad Artem, six-year-old Milana, baby Nazar and mum Iryna at Yarm Road Methodist Church Dad Artem, six-year-old Milana, baby Nazar and mum Iryna at Yarm Road Methodist Church

After arriving in Middlesbrough, the family were sponsored by Neville Kelvey-Brown of Jubilee Church.

Iryna said she was “grateful to God” that her family was safe.

She added: “I can’t even describe the help and care we have received from Neville and his church on a daily basis.

“From the moment  when Neville picked us up from the airport, to dealing with my daughter’s school, finding a GP and midwife and a hundred other tasks, he has always been there for us.”

Jubilee Church also organised a baby shower for the new mother, something that Iryna said was “exceptionally kind.”

The Northern Echo: The family with (far left) Neville Kelvey-Brown of Jubilee Church who is hosting them in MiddlesbroughThe family with (far left) Neville Kelvey-Brown of Jubilee Church who is hosting them in Middlesbrough

She continued to add: “I also want to say a huge thank you to the UK Government for helping Ukrainian people in this unprecedented circumstances of sorrow, God bless you all.”

Links between Jubilee Church and several churches in Ukraine helped to match potential refugees with new homes on Teesside.

Mr Kelvey-Brown said that he developed a “good relationship” over text with Arem and Iryna over the six week period they were trying to get from the Donbas to the UK.

He added: “They’ve come from a place that was very scary, where their town has been taken over by Russians.

“They’re a lovely couple who share things with me around the house, and I’m just happy to be able to help.

“They’re going to be with me for six months to a year – at the moment they don’t know what the future holds, but with a young family they just want to be somewhere safe.”

Baby Nazar is the first Ukrainian child to be born in Middlesbrough to parents fleeing the war, while the town has so far offered new homes to more than 30 families and individuals following the invasion.

The Northern Echo: Dad Artem, six-year-old Milana, baby Nazar and mum Iryna at Yarm Road Methodist Church Dad Artem, six-year-old Milana, baby Nazar and mum Iryna at Yarm Road Methodist Church

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “From the very moment Russia sent its tanks into Ukraine, we pledged to do everything in our power to support those affected by this act of unprovoked aggression.

“We’ve been delighted to welcome individuals and families into our homes and communities, and it’s amazing that one of those families should welcome a new member here in Middlesbrough.

“A huge Boro welcome to baby Nazar, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”

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