Mayo family feel humbled and blessed to host Ukrainian refugees

A Mayo family have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their home and said they feel blessed and humbled by the experience.

James Murray and his wife Siobhan, proprietors of Murray's Ambulance Service, Castlebar, were inspired to sign up for the refugee appeal through Mayo charity, Candle of Grace.

James and Siobhan welcomed a family of three, Vereriia and her two children from Kharkiv, into their home at Coarsepark in the town shortly after they arrived in Ireland.

They two families were introduced at the weekend by Lily Luzan from Candle of Grace.

The Castlebar-based charity is looking for other suitable hosts for families fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

James told The Connaught Telegraph they were inspired by the wonderful work being carried out by Lily and her dedicated team.

"Siobhan and I feel honoured and blessed to host Vereriia and her family, who can now look forward to the future without the fear they have experienced in recent weeks.

"It's a very humbling experience for us when you consider all that they have lost in such a short period of time.

"I would say to anybody thinking about hosting refugees to go for it if they have the space in their homes to do so.

"It's a wonderful opportunity."

Up to 14,988 people have now pledged to offer accommodation for Ukrainian refugees in Ireland, including 392 in Mayo.

They include pledges for 3,126 vacant homes and 10,621 for shared accommodation.

The Irish Red Cross will start contacting people who have signed up in the coming days, describing the level of support from the Irish public as "unimaginable."

VIDEO: BY ALISON LAREDO