A young Ukrainian family fleeing war have thanked Glaswegians for their support following their desperate bid for a home.
Mum-of-three Natalia Hevak shared a heartbreaking appeal to bring her young family to live in the city, where she studied 20 years ago.
The English teacher and shop owner lives with her husband Liubomyr and their three children, Levko, 13, Roman, six and four-year-old daughter Marta in Lviv in western Ukraine.
Levko has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has been in a wheelchair for the last two years – and they have been unable to carry him to the cellar during air raid alerts.
She told Glasgow Live: "The kids are terrified. We try to keep them away from the news, other cities where buildings are on fire and other children are dying. They haven’t seen the tanks, the machines, the fire out there, they only know about the rockets. But they know they have to hide."
Natalia, 40, cherishes memories of studying English at Cardonald College and working at Partick restaurant Papa Gill's in 2002.
She shared a touching photo of the gifts her friends gave her before she returned to Ukraine; a tartan scarf and two necklaces bearing a Mackintosh rose and a thistle.
She has held onto these beautiful keepsakes for 20 years.
"They are so heartwarming. I have taken them with me everywhere," she said.
"They remind me of Scotland always – of the big hearts of my friends. They were so upset when I told them I was leaving.
"I have spoken to them and they have never forgotten me. I cannot wait to see them for coffee again.
"I always knew I would come back to visit one day – but I never thought I would be escaping war. It's horrible that we have no choice."
It has been three days since 35 people were killed and more than 130 were injured during a missile strike on a military base 15 miles from Lviv – described as a "significant escalation" due to its proximity with Poland, a NATO member.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the city near the Polish border has found itself at the heart of Europe's worst refugee crisis since the Second World War.
Tens of thousands from across the country pass through the city as a key stop on their journey, sleeping in sports halls and schools.
Despite Lviv's status as a haven from the conflict, there are growing fears its strategic importance channeling weapons from the west will make it a target for Russian forces.
"People have told us to stay here, that the war is mainly in northern and eastern Ukraine – but there have already been rockets. The shelling hits buildings and can kill people.
"We fear the soldiers will eventually close in. Russia wants to destroy all cities, to break us down as humans.
"But it will never be like this. We will never be a part of Russia. We don't want to live in fear like them. We are a free country."
Natalia and her family have joined efforts to bring medicine, food and supplies to refugees at the train station and at the cross points with Poland.
She said she will never forget the horror in the eyes of the desperate Ukrainians she has met: "People coming to our city have seen death in the streets. They cannot talk as they are so scared.
"Children are suffering in these shelters. One girl died from dehydration, frightened and alone.
"If I was to stay I would be scared for my children. I don't want my kids to see things like this. I don't want them to be mentally destroyed.
"None of this is human. This is the 21st century."
The family have remained at home since the Ukrainian government temporarily banned men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country amid calls to join the army.
But they have recently been told by border officials Liubomyr can go with them as he has three children.
"People have said my husband should stay and fight," Natalia said. "I need him for our children. Levko is bigger than me and I cannot lift him to the toilet myself. I cannot go alone and that is why I have stayed."
Natalia's story has sparked a flurry of offers to host Natalia and her family from across Glasgow and beyond. She told how her parents "broke down in tears" as Liubomyr read the heartfelt messages to them in Ukrainian.
A mum-of-two who lives in a house in the village near Lanark has reached out to the family. There is a big garden, ponies in the fields surrounding her home and a school for additional needs in the local area, which Levko can attend.
"We were so happy and surprised. It sounds amazing for the children," she said.
"My son doesn't meet many boys and girls his age in wheelchairs in Ukraine and I think it would be good for for him to see that he is not alone.
"It will be easier for them to learn English and have a social life if they are living with other children. We think they will be very happy there."
The family are ready to go once their application has gone through; they've had their bags packed since war broke out in Ukraine for a quick getaway.
They plan to drive more than 1,600 miles from Lviv to Glasgow over a few days, stopping off in Poland and Germany along the way for a night's sleep.
"We are driving because we are not allowed to take Levko's battery-powered wheelchair on the plane. It means we can also bring more things.
"When we get there we want to find work. We want to live our lives and earn money while we are there, provide for our children."
Natalia added: "We are telling them it will be like a summer camp. They will make new friends and see the country. We want to take them to see Loch Lomond and Loch Ness.
They won't be scared to leave the house. They won't have to wake up to sirens and leave their warm beds in the middle of the night."
She thanked Glaswegians for supporting refugees and hopes it will not be long before they can return home and help "rebuild" their country.
"Scottish people have never changed, even 20 years on. They welcome everybody and open their hearts," she said.
"I cannot believe how many have offered to open up their homes to us. We understand not everyone will have room for a family of five but they all wish us the best and that we find a place as soon as possible. It's very kind.
"We hope to only stay for a while until we can go home. But we are looking forward to coming to Scotland – where we can finally be free."
To find out about hosting Ukrainian refugees, visit the Homes for Ukraine scheme page for more information. You can also visit the Room For Refugees website.
