A team member at a Care UK home in Leatherhead, Surrey is receiving some extra special lessons this Christmas.

Terry Medley, 92, of Liberham Lodge, has been helping to teach Ukrainian refugee, Oksana Deinychenko, English after she started working as a housekeeper in October.

Oksana said: “Terry is a very interesting and extremely intelligent man. It makes me feel happy he is helping me with my English.

“I really enjoy working at Liberham Lodge. It’s very different to my previous jobs but I have very good colleagues and beautiful surroundings.”

Terry said: “It’s nice to feel that I am helping someone, even more so when settling into a new environment and country.”

Oksana came to the UK with her three children, aged eight, nine and 24, in May 2022. They moved in with a family in Leatherhead. While living in Ukraine, Oksana had been an events coordinator for over 15 years, arranging wedding and parties.

Terry, who was a senior marine economist for most of his career and also spent one and half years in the Royal Navy for his National Service, gives Oksana 30-minute lessons three times per week during her lunch breaks.

Jagpal Singh, general manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “Here at Liberham Lodge, we are honoured to welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds to our team. Oksana is a valued member of team and to learn a new language at the age of 44 is truly inspirational. Equally as wonderful is Terry’s selflessness in taking the time to assist Oksana.

“We know that intergenerational relationships have been proven to be enriching for all ages and can offer older people a sense of purpose. It is beautiful to watch Terry and Oksana interacting as they learn about each other’s languages, histories and backgrounds.

“We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Oksana as she continues to learn English – residents and team members alike find her an inspiration.”