by Milo Noctor – aged 8 

The bombs were loud and we lost everything, even Juno the family dog. It was horrendous. My toys, my friends, we left everything behind and started the journey in the clothes we were in. This was my home for the last 7 years, this was my life. The destruction was deafening as we started the journey, the air threatening and cold. I was scared but at least I had my Mum. I didn’t know what lay ahead, how would I go to school, make new friends? I don’t speak English, how would they understand? Thoughts were racing, the unknown lay ahead. 

We travelled on a coach through the night, barely sleeping with little food, escaping the nightmare his homelife had become. We reached England at sunrise off the ferry. We felt alone and scared, eating some food, some bread and water. Another coach awaits, this time to Quorn. What will it be like? Will it have a park? Will I make friends? Is it another dimension? So many questions and thoughts. My Mum didn’t speak much, she was too sad. She was angry too.  

Quorn was very nice. It was sunny when we arrived and we stayed with a cool family who had a hamster. They lived near the school and we had nice food, they have McDonalds here too. My favourite thing was school, I made so many friends and the teachers were nice. They had Ukraine day one day and we wore the colours of our flag. At the disco I had a tattoo of the Ukraine flag, I still loved my home. But Quorn was my new home. We got a dog and I made new friends and I speak English now as well. Sometimes strangers can be the kindest people. 

The fighting still goes on, I watch the news. I ring my cousins, I miss them. But I am happy in Quorn because it is a safe place and a great environment, even my mum is here and smiles more now as she walks our dog called Benji in the nice green spaces. We are free, there is peace here and we feel safe and happy. One day I will visit Ukraine, I hope it can be rebuilt one day, it was beautiful. I am thankful for the people who helped me on this journey through different countries. We were the lucky ones. Many lost their lives and have fallen, we will remember them when we cheer our lucky escape. Mum has a job now and we hope to buy our own home, maybe have our own hamster and cat but for now we like our new family, our new community in Quorn and our new life.  

When I am older I would like to repay this kindness by being a doctor, to help people in other countries who are suffering and need to be healed and helped and rescued. Light can come out of darkness, kindness from hate and love from pain. Thank you Quorn for welcoming me.