A SALON owner has been in Slovakia raising money to collect supplies for the Ukrainian refugees.

Tatiana Leech, 41, owns her salon Revive Beauty Lounge in Tiptree.

She headed back to her native country in Slovakia to visit family on February 25 returning today.

Whilst she has been out there, she decided to play her part in helping the victims of the Russian invasion after seeing fellow salon owners talking about the situation.

Tatiana put out an emotional video message on her social media page asking her clients for donations to pay for supplies.

Using the money, she has been going to the shops in Slovakia to buy supplies for Ukraine and says the experience has been emotional.

She said: “I was very scared to come home to Slovakia with everything going on.

“I had messages from clients asking if I am OK.

“That’s why it was easier for me to connect live and speak directly to my followers and clients.

“But as you can imagine as I was talking more about the situation, I started to be emotional and started to cry.

“I do know a few people who have got families and friends there.”

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A total of £930 raised so far for supplies and Tatiana hopes to help even further.

She said: “The response was amazing, especially from people who know me. They trusted me, and they know their money will be spent for a great cause.

“While I am in Slovakia, I am planning to see some Ukrainian refugees and see if I can help any further.

“I felt I needed to do something and when I saw so many of my friends and clients from England would like to help, I didn’t think twice and started the action.

“I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, and as you can imagine I am worried about my family in Slovakia. I hope this will end soon and we can have world peace.

“The way I feel at the moment I have done my maximum to help. It is tiring, and I haven’t had much rest, but I have made my family proud and also my friends and clients from England.”