A UKRAINIAN refugee in Taunton has died following a short illness.

Olha Krivoruchko, who was only 40 and had arrived in the county town last year, died on Sunday (March 12).

Sadly, her husband arrived from their native country just too late to say his final goodbye.

The local Somerset community of hosts and Ukrainian guests have come together to show their support for Yurii.

As a mark of respect for Olha, they have set up a GoFundMe account towards the cost of cremation/funeral/flowers and to support Yurii through this incredibly difficult time.

Within hours of the appeal being set up, more than £800 of the £1,500 target had been raised.

Yurii said: "My wife, Olha Krivoruchko, was a very cheerful and kind person.

"She spent her whole life worrying about people close to her even if it was to her detriment.

"She always helped those who needed her help.

"In her short life she never hurt anyone. She loved life."

You can donate to the appeal HERE.