This Easter on BBC Radio, York-based Ukrainian refugee journalist Anna Gorozhenko will be shedding light on how Ukrainian refugees and their UK hosts have been helping each other over the past year in Make A Difference – Hand of Help.
Gorozhenko left Ukraine with her daughter following Russia’s invasion but her husband, who is also a journalist, stayed behind. We hear her story unfold, as well as those of other Ukrainians she introduces us to, all of whom had their lives turned upside down on February 24 last year. We’ll also hear from host families who took refugees in, and other Ukrainians in the UK who have helped the new arrivals to settle in.
Gorozhenko said: “My story is their story. I am a Ukrainian refugee also. It’s hard to be away from your family and friends who are staying in your motherland. But the support of UK’s people is amazing. I will never forget this support and remember this always. When I go back to my home, my husband and I will remember all the hearts and hugs of people of your country…thank you.”
Make a Difference – Hand of Help will be available on BBC Sounds, and across all 39 Local BBC Local Radio stations in England on Good Friday from 9am and again in the evening at 9pm. You can also hear it from 1pm on Easter Sunday.
Also among the latest Easter programming to be announced, One Direction star Niall Horan will present a Make A Difference Awards Winners Special on Easter Monday at 9am, where he will surprise the winners from last year’s awards. The programme will also be broadcast across all 39 local BBC radio stations and BBC Sounds, celebrating winners by introducing them to their favourite star.
On Good Friday and Easter Sunday at 6am we will hear ‘Make A Difference – Keeping Faith at Easter featuring stories of hope, renewal and rebirth from around England, including the tale of a choir of former slaves who toured Britain 150 years ago this year, to a rapturous reception, and the Christian Ultramarathoner who is still taking part in races at the age of 60.
Chris Burns, controller local radio commissioning, said: “Easter is a very special time in the calendar and its lovely to hear our Make A Difference awards winners stories being told across England. So many people are still helping to support their communities and it’s our privilege to give them the opportunity to meet their music hero. This Easter schedule looks to celebrate everything people have done and are still doing.”
