Housekeeper Olha Hlukhodid has reflected with pride and gratitude after receiving a special award from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The Ukrainian, who is based at Milton, was nominated for an EACH Values Award – an internal, quarterly scheme celebrating outstanding performance in one of four categories.
Olha, 70, was successful in the ‘empathy, understanding and inclusion’ section.
The nomination reflected her kindness and compassion for the families receiving support, as well as her commitment and dedication to doing the best job possible.
It also cited her cultural background, having fled war-torn Ukraine to rebuild her life in Cambridgeshire.
Olha and daughter Alla Bortnyk took refuge in May 2022, and both have happily settled into roles with EACH. Alla is a Finance Assistant at Milton.
“I felt very pleased and proud when I found out about the award,” said Olha.
“It was a little overwhelming, because I feel other people do more.
“However, it meant so much, and working hard is my way of saying thank you to the people of this country.
“When I get a smile for something I’ve done – even something simple like making someone a cup of coffee – it makes me happy.
“It means more than words can say, and the hospice has become a second home to me.
“When I first came here, I didn’t know what to expect or what was waiting for me. I’d never been to England before.
“It was very difficult, but ever since I started, there’s always been someone to help and support me.
“I appreciate it very much, and working here has helped me feel part of society and a very supportive community.”
It is a far cry from the terrifying environment Olha left behind in Ukraine, and she remains thankful for the opportunity to start afresh in Cambridgeshire.
She and Alla’s connection to East Anglia dates to Alla’s time at university, from 2003 to 2005.
Although she studied at home, she came here during her summer holidays to pick fruit at Sunclose Farm, in Butt Lane, Milton.
When the war broke out, she penned a desperate email to the farmer who offered her work two decades earlier.
To her amazement, she received a reply, and the farmer found a sponsor to help facilitate their move to Cambridgeshire.
“We appreciate it every minute of every day,” said Olha.
“Now we’re trying to give something back by working as hard as we can.
“I want to be an example to my children and grandchildren and show them everything will be OK.
“Our actions are more important than our words. There isn’t anything that can’t be overcome, and I feel positive every day.
“Milton is a place full of beautiful people, and I’m part of a chain with lots of rings in it.
“I’m only a small ring, but if that link is absent there will be no chain.”
Olha, who is from Belopolye, in north-eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border, worked in a vocational training college back home and says she empathises with families being supported by EACH.
“By smiling, we are showing our support,” she said.
“People really care here. It’s a team, and it’s about making things happen, rather than just speaking about them.
“The main thing is always the children, no matter what position someone works in.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re nurses or work in finance or housekeeping. Everyone wants the same thing and I like that.
“It’s a special place and special people work here. It’s exactly where I need to be.
“My family is safe and that means so much. Because of that, I feel lucky and optimistic.”
Olha was nominated by EACH Director of Care Helen Finlinson, who feels her compassion, empathy and dedication perfectly reflect EACH’s values.
Helen said: “While giving a new member of staff a tour of the facilities, I introduced them to Olha. She immediately engaged with us, passionately sharing why she works here and why she’s committed to doing the best job she can for the families we support.
“She spoke about her cultural background and explained that in Ukraine there are no services quite like EACH.
“Since coming to the UK, she’s been grateful for the support her family has received and, in turn, wants to give something back.
“Olha spoke about the families we support with great empathy and understanding. Her compassion and dedication shone through so clearly that we were almost moved to tears by what working here means to her.
“I was touched and impressed by how strongly she reflected our values during our brief encounter and couldn’t have asked for a better person for our new colleague to meet.”
