April 21st 2024.
A team of brave Ukrainian marines and their coach have taken on the daunting challenge of the TCS London Marathon, despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks in their war-torn homeland. Heorhii ‘Gosha’ Roshka and Oleksii Rudenko, two injured marines, have refused to let their injuries sideline them and are determined to return to active duty after completing the marathon. Along with their coach, professional athlete Slava Kulakovskyi, they are running in support of their country, which is currently facing critical shortages in air defense, manpower, and ammunition as it fights against Russian military aggression.
These three amputees have already overcome incredible personal struggles just to make it to the starting line in Greenwich Park. Heorhii, 32, sustained multiple injuries during the brutal siege of Mariupol, where Ukrainian troops made a valiant last stand. At one point, his injuries were so severe that he even told a comrade to end his life rather than become a burden on his unit. But despite these challenges, he and his teammates remain determined to raise funds for vital aid for Ukraine by participating in the London Marathon.
Speaking at the London Marathon Running Show, Heorhii expressed his excitement to be in London and his eagerness to return to his fellow soldiers in Ukraine. "I am grateful for the opportunity to help our injured soldiers, but my ultimate goal is to go back home as soon as possible and continue fighting for my country," he said. "The whole world should know that Ukraine is in a state of war and many injured soldiers are ready to fight, but they need support." The marines are representing their country on a global stage as Russian forces continue to escalate their attacks, using drones, missiles, and bombs to target civilians across Ukraine.
Heorhii, who cannot disclose the location of his family home for security reasons, has successfully recovered from his injuries and returned to his duties as an active marine. His teammate Oleksii, 28, also overcame the odds after being severely injured by a landmine while on a mission against Russian proxy forces in the Donbass region. Despite losing his right leg in the blast, Oleksii is determined to complete the marathon with the help of a sports prosthesis. Meanwhile, their coach Slava, who lost his left arm in an industrial accident, has dedicated his professional career to supporting and rehabilitating injured Ukrainian soldiers.
The team is raising funds for the British-Ukrainian Aid charity, which will transfer the donations to the Citizen Charity Foundation in Ukraine. This organization provides support for injured servicemen, including modern prosthetics, education, and physical and psychological rehabilitation. The team's fundraising pages have already seen an overwhelming response, with people from all over the world showing their support for these brave marines and their cause.
As the rest of the runners take a well-deserved rest after completing the marathon, Heorhii, Oleksii, and Slava will return to a much darker reality in their home country. "Life will be the same as before," Heorhii sadly admits. "Air raid sirens, missiles, and children seeking shelter. My own four-year-old daughter will continue to attend kindergarten in a basement shelter." Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful for a peaceful future for all children in Ukraine and around the world. "The children are our future," he says.
The determination and courage of these Ukrainian marines and their coach are an inspiration to us all. They have sacrificed so much and continue to fight for their country and their people. We can all show our support by following their journey and donating to their cause. Together, we can make a difference for these brave individuals and their war-torn homeland.
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