Concert at Cathedral to mark anniversary of Russian invasion of Ukraine

St Edmundsbury Cathedral will play host to a special concert on Friday, February 23, at 7pm, marking the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Money raised will go to First Children’s Hospice in Nadvirna, Ukraine, which is supported by UK-based Hospices of Hope, the organisers of the concert. 

Hospices of Hope is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting the development of palliative and end of life care in South and East Europe.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Hospices of Hope immediately reached out to their friends at the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Palliative Care Centre and associated Nadvirna First Children’s Hospice to offer support in any way they could help. 

Their hospice partners in Romania and Moldova helped to care for cancer patients leaving Ukraine, offered accommodation to refugees and donated medical supplies to both Ukrainian hospices.

With the support of their donors, Hospices of Hope also helped to fund an ambulance to be able to transport patients from the war-torn areas in the east to the relative safety of the west; a generator to keep the power on and some medicines that had run out.

Most hospices in Ukraine receive funding from the state for the salaries of medical staff and a contribution towards utilities and drugs. However, due to the war, their funding has been reduced and does not cover many of the essential items that are needed to run the hospices.

Hospices of Hope is working to help sustain both organisations and the vital care they provide. 

Julie Easy, fundraising manager at Hospices of Hope said: “This event marks two years of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Hospices of Hope beginning their support of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Palliative Care Centre.

“Due to kind donations we have been able to provide support to the local team so that they can help those with terminal and life limiting illnesses in the region. The need is still great and there is much more to do – we hope this event raises awareness of the urgent and ongoing situation in Ukraine as well as vital funds to continue that work.” 

The concert will feature music from Eileanora & Tap who will present a programme of jazz, swing and boogie woogie; and Alina Rybina, a soprano who began her musical odyssey at the Odessa Music Academy in Ukraine and honed her skills at Morley College’s opera course in London. The Buskerteers Choir will also join the lineup. 

The Rev Philip Banks, Canon Precentor at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said: “It is our privilege at the Cathedral to support the Ukraine community in whatever practical ways we can. The anniversary of the Russian invasion is a reminder of the hardships that their nation is still having to endure. We do hope that many people come to this event to raise much-needed funds for Ukraine’s First Children’s Hospice in Nadvirna who are doing such amazing work.” 

Tickets for the concert are £10 with free entry for children under 16. They can be booked via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/concert-of-hope-tickets-796782878037 

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