Date published: 31 March 2026
Kind-hearted neighbours at a Stonewater retirement living scheme have helped an elderly woman rebuild her life after fleeing Ukraine.
Larysa Ryndova, 72, left her home in the Kherson region to escape the conflict nearly four years ago, believing she would only be away for a short time.
Instead she found herself having to start again, heartbreakingly without her husband who remained in the war-torn country.
But Larysa says neighbours at The Lodge, Bedford, quickly helped her settle in with small acts of kindness after one of the most difficult periods of her life.
She said: “We are a community here, like one family - I really appreciate how many people helped me.
“One brought me a chair, another brought curtains, someone else gave me a clock.
“If I ever have something wrong in my house, I phone them and they say do not worry, someone will come and repair everything.”
Over time, those gestures have grown into friendships, with residents regularly coming together for coffee mornings and social events.
Larysa has also shared her own culture with neighbours, cooking traditional Ukrainian dishes and singing for fellow residents at a recent event.
She added: “I am grateful I am safe here and have a warm place to live. I will never forget this kindness.”
After arriving in the UK, Larysa initially spent time in temporary accommodation but struggled to settle before being offered a permanent home.
Now Larysa says she has been able to begin rebuilding her life in her safe, secure home after years of uncertainty.
She said: “I came here with just one bag and nothing but my medicines.
“The worst thing that I have experienced was depression - you are far away from your homeland and everything you had before.
“One day I got a message saying I was nominated for a flat and was invited to come and see it. I was very happy.”
“Stonewater has given me a second home, with warm rooms and everything I need.”
Cynthia Knight, Scheme Manager - Central East, Presentation House at Stonewater, said: “Larysa has shown incredible strength in rebuilding her life after everything she has been through. It has been really special to see how other residents have welcomed her and supported her in those early days.
“At Stonewater, we always try to create a place where people feel safe, included and able to connect with others. Seeing those friendships grow and watching Larysa become part of the community has been a real reminder of how important that sense of belonging is.”
