A Brecon resident will cycle 2,600km solo from the UK to Ukraine this summer to raise money for a good cause.

Taniya Morris will take on the challenge in aid of a foundation that provides support to the innocent victims of war in Ukraine - the children.

The Voices of Children Charitable Foundation was established in 2019, having evolved from the co-founders’ personal experiences of delivering humanitarian work within the Donbas region in 2014. Their mission is that no child should be left alone with the experience of war. 

Having been compelled to vastly expand their operations in 2022, their work is delivered in Ukraine and is focused on creating ongoing programs of assistance that cover targeted needs and formats. Specifically: provision of psychosocial support and rehabilitation for children and families; meeting additional educational and recreational needs of children; children’s rights advocacy; assistance with evacuation and ensuring children’s access to a safe environment in communities; and the arrangement of new permanent or temporary housing for IDPs and meeting their basic needs.

After speaking to the Voices of Children's co-founder, Taniya was inspired to support the foundation, being particularly impressed by their dedication, professionalism, and transparency.

Taniya is no stranger to long-distance cycle challenges, having previously cycled with her husband from Vancouver to Mexico, and Calais to Brindisi. This challenge will be entirely different however, as she will be cycling solo and will allow herself little time to stop to enjoy the views.

The challenge will start on Sunday, June 16 and she aims to cycle a minimum of 100km a day to cover the 2600km through the UK, Holland, Germany, and Poland to the Ukrainian border at Chelm in under a month.

Whilst she will be cycling solo and self-supported, her husband Clive will be 'shadowing' the route. They plan to only meet up on one of the few rest days, where he can assist with massages, bike maintenance and clothes washing!

Taniya is a serving Army Reserve Officer who previously worked with 160th (Welsh) Brigade in Brecon for a number of years.

Nina Vasilchenko, Head of the Partnership Department at The Voices of Children said: “We are profoundly moved and inspired by Taniya's remarkable initiative. Her dedication and compassion for children affected by war exemplify the core values of Voices for Children. Taniya's journey represents far more than a physical challenge; it is a powerful testament of solidarity and support for those who need it most.

“We are also immensely grateful for the ongoing support from the British public, which continues during these challenging times. The ‘Voices of Children’ Charitable Foundation provides free psychological aid to children and their families affected by war. Our foundation offers comprehensive psychosocial and humanitarian support, working closely with communities and child welfare institutions nationwide.

“Regarding Taniya's donation, we will engage in discussions with her to determine how best to allocate the funds based on the most pressing needs at the time. We are confident that the impact of her donation will be significant and greatly beneficial to the children we help.”

You can support Taniya via her JustGiving page.