A Ukrainian soldier had an emotional reunion with his mother in Chester this week as he prepares to take on a Transatlantic rowing challenge.

Derman Ihor Olehovych, known as Igor Derman, travelled to Chester to see his mother Zina Maliutenko, who works as a classroom assistant at Overleigh St Mary's Primary School. Zina is living in Chester as part of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme which is sponsored by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Igor is getting ready to join several other servicemen from the UK and Ukraine in taking on a rowing challenge from Plymouth across the Atlantic Ocean, as part of Prince Harry's Invictus Games Foundation.

Igor Derman with the team as part of its preparation for rowing across the Atlantic.

Igor Derman with the team as part of its preparation for rowing across the Atlantic.

The Row4Ukraine challenge details what Igor has overcome over the past 15 years. In 2009, he first joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, where he was deployed to the Luhanska region and later the Donetska area, where he sustained a concussion in an intense artillery battle.

In January 2017, he was injured by an anti-infantry mine, and his right leg was amputated below the knee.

Following his recovery, he mentored young officers and left the Army for a time in 2018.

He later re-enlisted as a result of the Russian invasion and has fought alongside able-bodied servicemen in the Khersonska region.

He has dreamed of buying a yacht and sailing the ocean with elder brother Yaroslav. Sadly Yaroslav, an officer in the Ukrainian Army, was declared missing in action in April 2023 while fighting Russian soldiers in Bahmut.

The Row4Ukraine challenge features British and Ukrainian wounded, injured and sick personnel rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds for the Invictus Games Foundation. It has partnered with The Royal Marines Charity.

To donate, visit https://invictusgamesfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/row4ukraine