Ukrainian boy's safe haven in Mayo

The mother of an 11 year-old boy who witnessed his house being bombed in Ukraine and moved to Mayo 15 months ago has expressed her gratitude for the support he received, writes Trevor Quinn.

Bodhan Stekhun arrived at the Candle of Grace centre in Islandeady in May 2022 traumatised, but he is returning home happier, healthier and more hopeful.

His mother Marina travelled to Mayo two weeks ago to see where her son was hosted and supported by charity co-founder Lily Luzan and bring him home.

The Candle of Grace has supported 146 Ukrainian children and 103 women since the war began.

The Stekhun family, from Chernobyl, live just 15km from the reactor reactor exclusion zone and Bodhan’s parents Marina and Vladimir suffer from notable health issues.

Ukraine has had mandatory military conscription for many years and Marina’s eldest son Uri, aged 20, joined the country’s army a short time before the start of the war in February 2022.

Vladimir, 43, who also joined the army, suffers from heart and spine problems.

“When the war started the Russians occupied the territory and they bombed the villages and those soldiers who were in the army were imprisoned,” Lily said. “When Uri was imprisoned the family didn’t know if he was alive or dead.” Marina, who recalled the stress when the family initially lived for 45 days in the basement of their scorched home, insisted they wanted Bodhan to be safe in Ireland.

“When you lose one child you are afraid to lose another child,” the 40 year-old, who has stomach, vision and joint problems due to radiation, said. “I’m very grateful, when I came for Bodhan I knew he was safe here and the support has been great and everyone was trying to do something.” Bodhan, who attended Burriscarra National School, said he enjoyed his time in his Mayo but he is very eager to see his relatives and friends in Ukraine.

“Nature and the people is what I liked most about Ireland,” the youngster, who has made many friends here, added.

Lily recalled that when Bodhan arrived in Ireland he was very different.

“Bodhan saw his house being bombed and we have another girl here who saw her neighbour being shot and killed,” she added Lily said he was very thin and withdrawn when they first met him and he was not taking to anyone.

“Bodhan had an injury and we brought him to the hospital and afterwards I got him McDonalds and he told me the story about his brother and about his house.” Lily, who does not ask Ukrainian people about their experiences unless they wish to talk, said Bodhan slowly opened up and trusted her.

The mother and son are returning home imminently to live in a modular home with their family desperate for peace.

Lily said when Bodhan watched a video of his brother Uri being released by the Russians in January he cried tears of joy.

The mother and son are returning to live in a modular home longing for peace and hopeful they will all soon be reunited as a family.

Lily has also invited Bodhan and Marina to return to Mayo on holidays next summer.