The family of a British volunteer in Ukraine who was found dead in her bed in the country’s capital say she “dedicated her life to helping others”.
The body of former chemistry student Katherine Mielniczuk (26) was found in the early hours of Christmas Eve by members of her unit, the 151st Special Operations Forces Unit.
Her family, from Westerham in Kent, said in a statement today: “She devoted her life to helping others, as a doctor, as a scientist and researcher and as a friend.”
“She has spent the past 18 months volunteering in Ukraine, working in relief logistics and as a combat medic across the country.
“It is impossible to truly describe what an incredible woman Katherine was or how deeply and deeply loved she was and how much she will be missed.
“Kasia is gone, but the endless warmth, love and grace she brought to the world will never be lost.”
The body of former chemistry student Katherine Mielniczuk (pictured) was found early Sunday morning by members of her unit
“All we know is that she was discovered in her bed this morning (December 24, 2023). “The cause of death is currently not being treated as suspicious,” Ukrainian volunteer organization Project Konstantin said.
According to a post on her blog, she has spent the past 18 months volunteering in Ukraine, “in a medical and operational capacity, primarily with StaySafeUA.”
The Ukrainian volunteer organization Project Konstantin said earlier this week: “It is with great regret that we announce the death of Katherine Mielniczuk.
“We heard this terrible news a few hours ago and after speaking to her family, we offered to help her.”
“All we know is that she was found in her bed this morning (December 24, 2023). The cause of death is currently not considered suspicious. Authorities will release more information later.
“At the moment we are focused on the pain their family is suffering and trying to alleviate their suffering by giving them the opportunity to fly to Ukraine and we want to help with repatriation costs.”
The message ended with “Rest in peace, Apache,” referring to their call sign.
“Cat,” as she was affectionately known, served as an instructor and combat medic with a group called the Menace Medics.
The volunteer, a University of Bristol graduate, wrote on her blog before her death: “Our aim at Menace Medics is to support paramedics on site with critical medical equipment and vehicle repairs/fuel, which will exceed our expectations. ” that saves lives. of brave foreign fighters and ruthless Ukrainian soldiers.”
According to a post on her blog, she spent the past 18 months volunteering in Ukraine in a “medical and operational capacity,” primarily with StaySafeUA, a volunteer group dedicated to supporting those “on the front lines of the Russian invasion life”.
In a Nov. 28 post, she said she spent her “first days.” [in an] “The ambulance gifted me,” shared a photo of a puppy that appeared to be in the car with her.
In a video posted in July, she gave an interview to a local reporter in which she said she was working in Bristol when she decided to apply for Ukraine and said it was her “duty to help.”
She added: “I will stay until it may not be safe to be here anymore or until I have to return to my brother or my mother.”
Authorities are now trying to determine the cause of death.
Katherine volunteered at StaySafeUA for 13 months
Andriy Depko, her former boss at StaySafeUA, exclusively told MailOnline that she is a dedicated volunteer who always puts others before herself.
“Cat,” as she was affectionately known, served as an instructor and combat medic with a group called the Menace Medics
“Kat” gave an interview to a local reporter in which she said she was working in Bristol when she decided to apply for Ukraine and said it was her “duty to help”.
Andriy Depko, her former boss at StaySafeUA, a charity where she worked for 13 months, told MailOnline exclusively that she was a dedicated volunteer who always put others before herself.
“From the beginning, she volunteered to be at the forefront of the invasion,” Andriy said.
“We always told her to stay safe, but she insisted on going to the most dangerous places to help.”
“We told her: ‘You have to be safe’, but she kept pushing and kept saying: ‘I have to be helpful.
“She did so much for Ukraine in the 13 months she was with us before she left to become a military doctor.
“She wanted to be on the front lines, saving soldiers and using her training and skills. She wanted to be there 24/7.
“She wanted to show how brave she is.”
He said he did not believe the news of her death when he heard it.
“At first I thought it was impossible. I thought, “That’s not true. We’ll hear the news that she’s okay.”
“It is very difficult to understand that a kind and active person can disappear.” It breaks my heart.
“It was very difficult for my team. We had a meeting to talk about [her passing]and we shared memories of her.
“Everyone liked her. She was still part of our team [even after she left].
“I want people to remember her as the kind, dedicated woman she was.”
“Her dedication will never be forgotten.” She wanted to help children, soldiers, everyone. I want everyone to remember her.”
News reports in 2013 revealed that she helped rescue a frightened fox pup that was trapped in a 10ft trap outside a London home.
News Shopper reported that at the age of 15, Katherine risked her safety by climbing over a fence, picking up the hat-wearing young animal and climbing back to make sure it was safe.
After handing it over to a member of the RSPCA, she said: “As soon as I saw the fox I was determined to help him – I didn’t want to let him die.” After all, it fell into the trap by no. his own fault, why suffer so?
“I was afraid to climb over the fence at first because I wasn’t sure if I would be bitten or otherwise attacked, but the cub showed no threat and willingly put on a stranger’s hat and didn’t mind being held doesn’t become.”
“I feel like I did a good deed and I’m grateful that there are people in the world who still have compassion for foxes, which are often considered violent nuisances.”
Project Konstantin has launched a fundraising campaign to cover Katherine’s repatriation and funeral costs.
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
