Those who have welcomed refugees from the Ukraine war into their home have been referred to as "very much a part of the family" by a married couple.
David and Astrid Frankl from Wimborne, Dorset, who are a part of the government's Homes for Ukraine program, have been thinking back on the war after it had been going on for a year.
In September, the couple welcomed Galina, 37, Alex, 16, and Kate, 13.
According to Mr. Frankl, the couple had evolved into "sort of honorary grandparents.".
Jewish parents of Mr. Frankl fled Nazi Germany during World War Two by seeking asylum in the UK.
He said, "If they hadn't come, they wouldn't have survived.".
"My parents gave to this nation. I must be grateful to the nation for fostering my parents and enabling both them and me to survive. ".
He claimed that after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, he and his wife wanted to aid others in a similar manner.
Nikolai, his wife Svetlana, and their children Polina, 5, and Sofia, a newborn, were previously welcomed into the Frankl family in May.
They left Mariupol, Mr. Frankl reported, adding, "We heard that when they left, the railway line was bombed the next day, so they barely made it out in time. ".
They remained for four months but have since moved to Cheshire, which is nearer to Nikolai's brother.
Mr. Frankl claimed that despite their initial reluctance, they were persuaded by a seven-page essay Alex had written about his desire to attend school in the UK.
The BBC was informed by Mr. Frankl that he and Astrid were "just doing our little bit.".
He claimed that Galina and her kids had "become very much a part of the family" and that they had grown to appreciate sharing meals.
He remarked, "They cook one night, we cook the next.".
One of their favorite foods is cottage pie, which we had last night. ".
He said the couple and their guests experienced a "poignant" moment on the anniversary of the conflict.
If the war went on, he added, he and his wife would be willing to host more families.
There are still many individuals who are eager to leave Ukraine, he claimed.
