Kind-hearted boss of car dealership opens up his Edwardian country manor house to Ukrainian refugee family of eight after paying to fly them to the UK following Russian invasion
- Martin Holton, 59, is putting up two sisters and their six children at his luxury 16-room home in Warwickshire
- The family, whose children range in age from four to 14, were flown over from Poland after fleeing homeland
- After waiting five weeks for visa approvals, they spent all the money they had on food and accommodation
- Martin used his own money to get them to safety and is now appealing for donations to help them get settled
A kind-hearted car dealership boss has opened up his Edwardian country manor house to a family of eight refugees from Ukraine.
Martin Holton, 59, paid to bring them over from Poland, and is putting them up at his luxury 16-room home in South Warwickshire.
His housekeeper is the only other person occupying the property, so the businessman insists there’s plenty of space for his guests to make the most of.
Martin, who runs Country Car Barford, has given sanctuary to a family – two sisters and their six children, ranging from 14 to four-years-old – who fled their homeland in the wake of the Russian invasion.
They were stuck in Poland for five weeks waiting for their visa applications to be approved, forcing them to spend all the money they had on food and accommodation.
Once the visas were granted, Martin used his own money to get the refugees to safety, and is now appealing for donations to help the family get back on their feet.
A kind-hearted car dealership boss has opened up his Edwardian country manor house to a family of eight refugees from Ukraine. Pictured: Martin Holton (top middle) with the refugees
Martin Holton paid to bring the refugees (pictured inside the house) over from Poland, and is putting them up at his luxury 16-room home in South Warwickshire
His housekeeper is the only other person occupying the property, so the businessman insists there’s plenty of space for his guests to make the most of
Martin, who runs Country Car Barford, has given sanctuary to a family (pictured) – two sisters and their six children, ranging from 14 to four-years-old – who fled their homeland in the wake of the Russian invasion
They were stuck in Poland for five weeks waiting for their visa applications to be approved, forcing them to spend all the money they had on food and accommodation. Pictured: One of the children
Once the visas were granted, Martin used his own money to get the refugees to safety, and is now appealing for donations to help the family get back on their feet. Pictured: A mother and a child
Martin was determined to help the refugees (pictured) as soon he saw the horrific images on the news of the desperate plight of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invaders
He has worked with the Ukraine Embassy in London and Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre to place refugees (pictured in the garden) with him at his home near Leamington
And along with his team at the garage, he has also started an aid collection to help Ukrainians who have been unable to escape
The team is asking for specific items including non-perishable food, generators and medical equipment
Martin added: ‘The team have been amazing, especially Helen Aris, she helped with all the visa applications. We couldn’t have done it without her help’
Martin said: ‘We applied for the visas the first day they were online, but it took five weeks for them to eventually be granted.
‘During that time the family were living in a one bedroom apartment with ten others. That’s 17 people in a one bedroom apartment, with one bed. As soon as we were able we booked them onto a flight and got them safely to my house.
‘I’m giving all the money for the sponsorship to the family, and any money we raise will go directly to them. They’ve been settling in well considering what they’ve gone through.’
Martin was determined to help as soon he saw the horrific images on the news of the desperate plight of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invaders.
He has worked with the Ukraine Embassy in London and Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre to place refugees with him at his home near Leamington.
And along with his team at the garage, he has also started an aid collection to help Ukrainians who have been unable to escape.
He said: ‘I just felt I needed to do something however small, they need as much help as they can get from everyone. I’ve already made one drop to Ukraine, and we’re still taking donations.’
The team is asking for specific items including non-perishable food, generators and medical equipment.
Martin added: ‘The team have been amazing, especially Helen Aris, she helped with all the visa applications. We couldn’t have done it without her help.’
Those wishing to donate can do so here.
Source: Read Full Article