Ukrainian refugee praises community’s ‘love and support’ for new business - Diss Express

[Kevin Hurst]

A Ukrainian refugee has thanked people for supporting her new massage business.

Hanna Bodnar was forced to flee Kyiv, where she had worked for the Government’s anti-corruption team, when the war with Russia began.

Having travelled to Poland and then Germany, Miss Bodnar moved to Cyprus and worked in a hotel, using her specialist massage therapist qualification, which she gained at the Ukraine Medical University.

Hanna Bodnar, a fully trained massage therapist, left Ukraine at the start of the war. Picture: Mark Bullimore

This was where she met Mark Palman, from Wortwell.

He said: “I was on holiday in the hotel where she was working and she told me her interesting story.

“We kept in contact when I got back and I then spoke to the council and became her sponsor to come over.”

Mark Palman and Hanna Bodnar. Picture: Mark Bullimore

Through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, which allows Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family to apply for permission to come to the UK, Miss Bodnar came to England in February.

After gaining a Level 3 diploma in massage therapy, due to her Ukrainian qualification not being recognised in the UK, Miss Bodnar opened Hanna’s Massage in the annex of Mr Palman’s Sancroft Way home last month.

The 31-year-old said: “I am so happy to have opened my business. The support and love I have been given so far has been so kind.

“Since I started on September 16, it has been really busy and I would like to thank everyone who is supporting me as it means so much.

Hanna Bodnar has opened her massage business in Wortwell. Picture: Mark Bullimore

“I would also like to thank Mark for giving me the opportunity to do this.”

Mr Palman said he was so happy that he has been able to help and feels the business is just getting started.

“We have only put it on Facebook locally so far but Hanna is already fully booked on some days,” he said.

“This is such a great start for her and I am sure she will only get busier as the business grows.”

Hanna’s Massage, which offers full body, classic Swedish and sports massages, is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, between 9am and 7pm .

To find out more, go to the Hanna’s Massage Facebook page.