Harry Dunn spokesman signs up to take in Ukrainian refugees
Radd Seiger said he had thought about travelling to Ukraine or Poland to offer his support.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The spokesman for the parents of teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn has said his family will “take in as many people as we can” after signing up to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Radd Seiger, whose grandmother was born in the country’s capital, Kyiv, said he will be contacting refugee charities to open up his home in south Northamptonshire to a family.
He said: “I’ve been trying to think of ways over the last few weeks of how I can personally help.
“I’ve thought about travelling to Poland or Ukraine to help but it seems the best way I can help is to take in a Ukrainian family to offer them some respite from the trauma they have been suffering.
“We’ll take in as many people as we possibly can.”
Mr Seiger, a retired lawyer, has spent the last two-and-a-half years representing the family of Mr Dunn, who was killed when his motorbike crashed into a car outside US military base RAF Croughton on October 27 2019.
The driver, American Anne Sacoolas, 44, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf following the crash and was able to leave the country, sparking an international controversy.
Asked about his personal ties to Ukraine, Mr Seiger told the PA news agency: “My grandmother was born in Kyiv and left, as so many millions did in those days, to the United States in search of a better life.
“I inevitably feel close to these people and I can’t just sit here and watch them suffer.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the reason I’m doing this, but obviously I feel compelled to help.”
Giving a message to anyone thinking of taking in a Ukrainian family, Mr Seiger added: “I appreciate that many people are not in a position to do so, but I would encourage anyone who is in a position to do so to take that leap of faith.
“There’s going to be an exodus and it will only increase as time goes on.
“We can’t turn a blind eye to that. People should do the right thing and welcome them in with open arms.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.