AN UKRAINE-born concert violinist and music teacher from Basingstoke raised thousands of pounds for her home country after organising a raffle for her luxury items.

Oleksandra Galfe, a Ukrainian-British violinist and session musician, said she raised a couple of thousands of pounds, which she has sent to Chrinihiv, her hometown in Ukraine.

The 38-year-old music teacher said 174 people participated in the raffle for her designer items that included a Speedy 30 bag and a pair of Valentino Garavani shoes.

“I hope my bag can save lives,” she said.

“How can I have luxury things when people are suffering? When I saw the terrible news about the war in my native country, started by Russia and Putin, I was devastated. They shoot people who try to leave the surrounded towns, they kill volunteers who try to deliver medicines and pet food.

“My family is still there. They hear the bombs, shooting and explosions all the time. I have to help people who fight and people who try to survive because we are strong and we will win. My aim is to save and support my native country which is being attacked by Putin.”

Oleksandra is a former violinist of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine and now a co-founder of string quartets Halo Strings.

She said she is praying every day that her family stays alive as the Russians continue to attack her hometown.

“My parents passed away a long time ago, but I have my dearest grandma there, my auntie and uncle, my cousins and their partners and my Godchildren,” said Oleksandra, who has relatives in Chernihiv and Kyiv.

“I wish they could come here where it’s safe. I just hope that we will be reunited. [It will be great] If the government will make it easier for the Ukrainian family of a British citizen to come here, even for a short time.

“I love them and miss them so much as because of the pandemic I could not go and visit them for almost two years.”

She has also made arrangements for her niece and her brother’s partner to come to the UK, while her other relatives have chosen to stay back in Chernihiv.

Oleksandra said all she wants is a peaceful sky over Ukraine and all good people to win.

“Together with kindness and faith we will be strong,” she added.

“Music helps a lot as well. What I earn by playing the concerts, I donate half to Ukraine as well. I have seen so many kind and generous people who care and who help.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.