A UKRAINIAN girl has found refuge in Lymm and taken on a barista job similar to that in her home of Kyiv.

Kateryna Kuchanska, who came to the village with her sister and two small suitcases, has been in Lymm for seven weeks now.

She has thanked her host family, their friends and her neighbours for the welcome.

“They have surrounded us with care and support from day one," said Katya.

“Everyone is very sympathetic to the situation in Ukraine.

“Kat's (host family) parents gave me the most valuable Ukrainian English badge and now I always wear it near my heart.

“Every day, it reminds me of who I am and helps me in this difficult time.

“In the centre of the village there is the Ukrainian flag and every time I see Ukrainian symbols, I just want to cry.

“Sometimes you just cry all night from the news in Ukraine - you can't contact your grandparents and your family and your whole past life are far away.

“But when you wake up, feel the support of others and work in a job you love it becomes a little easier, but my thoughts are still only about Ukraine.”

Soon after moving to England, Kateryna applied for a role at The Coffee House in the village after she had help from her host family with writing a CV.

The 21-year-old continued: “I came for the first test hour, inhaled the aroma of freshly ground coffee, heard the sound of a coffee grinder and realised that this is what I like to do.

“The Coffee House is always a friendly atmosphere with colleagues. Guests come for a cup of coffee every day, visitors can bring their dogs and we can give them goodies for good behaviour in the coffee shop.

“I like the staff. There is an English chef who also wears a Ukrainian and English badge on his uniform. I was moved to tears, support is everywhere and it does not stop. I do not stop thanking everyone for what they do for me and for Ukrainians.”

Kateryna has found the medical system tough to adapt to. She feels that it might not be possible to fully adapt but that it will be easier when she fully learns English and finds friends.

In the meantime, her passion for the hospitality industry remains and she wants to keep making guests smile.

“The hospitality industry is very important," added Katya.

“I love making coffee and I like when guests enjoy every sip of the drink.

“I like working in a team, there is such a team spirit and everyone can help you.

“I love people and look at their mood or readiness to talk, I always notice something very beautiful and special in everyone and I want to give all my warmth to the guests."