TV host and winner of Miss Ukraine Worldwide 2016 and her companion, who fled Russian bombs and located refuge within the UK, are set to run the London Marathon to boost cash for his or her nation.
Viktoriya Kiose, 29, and Kostiantyn Bidnenko, 35, had been in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv when Russia invaded and bombs began dropping on their metropolis at about 5am on February 24.
The couple fled Ukraine, travelling through Hungary, Poland and Italy earlier than reaching the UK, the place they now plan to run the London Marathon on October 2.
Ms Kiose, who was a TV presenter in addition to a magnificence pageant winner in Ukraine, stated she was “numb” with concern when the invasion began.
She stated: “I used to be shocked. It was very scary and we didn’t perceive as a result of it was like within the motion pictures.
“It was terrible. It was the worst day in my life.”
Talking on Thursday, Mr Bidnenko stated: “Right this moment, we wakened at 6am as a result of we thought struggle had began right here, however it was rain.
“This morning there was a storm in London and we wakened and thought it was an explosion.”
Mr Bidnenko, who labored in commerce advertising, tried to hitch Ukraine’s army however says he was unable to enroll as a result of he has a uncommon genetic illness known as alkaptonuria, inflicting him day by day joint ache.
They’re being hosted underneath the Houses for Ukraine scheme by former Tower Hamlets councillor Andrew Wooden at his Canary Wharf flat in east London.
“Andrew Wooden is the most effective man on the planet, he hosts us and we dwell collectively in his wonderful house,” Mr Bidnenko stated.
On why they’re operating the marathon, he added: “We needed to assist our nation as a lot as we are able to and the choice concerning the London Marathon is we wish to take part, it’s one of many greatest occasions in London.
“Sport is a part of our life so it is without doubt one of the greatest methods we are able to do one thing – we are able to’t play piano however we are able to run.
“After we run collectively we don’t take into consideration the struggle.”
Mr Bidnenko and Ms Kiose are elevating funds for causes together with United 24, an initiative launched by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to gather charitable donations in assist of the nation.
