Posted on: 22 February 2023
CNWL’s Head of Asset Management, Irene Paik-Semenov, met His Majesty King Charles III in Milton Keynes last week.
The monarch was visiting Milton Keynes to mark its new city status, and Irene was given the opportunity to meet him due to her work with Ukraine Appeal – a charity of which she is a co-founder and trustee.
Irene said: “It was absolutely wonderful experience, which I will never forget in my life. To be invited for the Milton Keynes city status opening ceremony by the King – it is a truly great honour and a recognition of our charity and the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes.
“We were the first to welcome his Majesty and had the chance to have a very interesting conversation about recent and current events in Ukraine and the UK’s full support and dedication.
“We also presented the flag signed by defenders of Ukraine and gifted to us to raise awareness. An unforgettable experience!”
Irene, who is Ukrainian herself, started the charity after the invasion a year ago. Since then, she has dedicated her evenings and weekends to supporting the refugees arriving in Milton Keynes.
She now has a team of volunteers collecting clothes and hygiene items, as well as helping with translations and the settling in process.
Please visit www.UkraineAppeal.org.uk if you would like to donate.
You can view the pictures from the day below!
