It’s official, Sir Rod Stewart is a freaking legend. The music legend has taken on ‘Hero’ status by a Ukrainian refugee dad as the singer rents a home for his family for at least a year.
UK Crooner Sir Rod Stewart has been described as a hero by a Ukrainian family after they fled war-torn Ukraine, to find refuge in the UK. The family of seven is now living comfortably and safely in a Berkshire home and the rock star has pledged to pay their rent and bills for at least a year.
In an exclusive yesterday with The Mirror, Sir Stewart, 77, said that he had found a house and furnished it, for Rostyslav and Olena, and their five children, after they were forced to flee their home in Ukraine.
The music legend has been compelled to make a difference for some time now, saying he thought for a long time about whether he should speak about his efforts publically. He revealed that being knighted in 2016 for services to music and charity has altered his mindset.
“I usually keep all my charitable efforts nice and quiet and just do it. But I thought, ‘I am a knight, I have been given this knighthood because of the things I’ve achieved in my life and the charity work I’ve done over the years’.
“But that was the past; I want to be seen to be doing something now. I am a knight, I should be using my power to do something for people.”
In a statement yesterday Rostyslav and Olena, who don’t speak English and arrived with no money, thanked Sir Rod and his family for “their openness and genuine and big hearts”.
The couple, who are parents to Taras, 17, Kostya, 16, Roman, 13, Mariia, 10, and Dymtro, 2, added that thanks to the sponsorship and hard work of Sir Rod’s nephew, Warren, “our children are now safe and able to learn normally in school.”
The dad-of-five said he is now Rod Stewart’s “biggest fan” adding: “I play his music every day, every day! My favourite is Sailing. I love the version he does with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
My children love his songs, too. We play his music on YouTube. He is a very great singer and a very great man.”
Sir Stewart recollected meeting the family for the first time recently. “I walked through the door and they all came running down the stairs, all beautifully dressed in Ukrainian national costume.
“It was so lovely that they all made that effort. They made me a cup of tea and we had loads of biscuits and chocolates, although the baby kept nicking all of mine. It really was wonderful.”
As well as helping the family, earlier this year Sir Rod and his nephew Warren – who initiated the sponsorship for the family – also organised three trucks filled with supplies, which were driven to Ukraine.
