The day before she died on Christmas Eve, a British woman who was a combat medic volunteer in Ukraine shared a strong final message. Katherine Mielniczuk, who went by Kasia, ‘gave her life to help others’ for almost two years since she went to the frontline when Russia invaded in February 2022.

The 26-year-old, born in south London, travelled to the most dangerous warzones to use her medical skills to help those who needed it. She was called ‘Apache’ for her courage, giving medical supplies and emergency help to injured fighters from Ukraine and other countries.

Less than 24 hours earlier, Kasia had shared a poignant post on Facebook which turned out to be her last.

In the heartbreaking message, she asked her followers to keep volunteers in their thoughts as ‘many of us cannot return home or celebrate Christmas’.

‘The mental, physical, financial consequences of war are catastrophic and a kind word can hold tremendous power for us when we are losing hope and seeing tragedies daily,’ she wrote.

‘We prioritise fighting for a free Ukraine, for a prosperous and fruitful future for Ukrainian children.’

After graduating in chemistry from the University of Bristol, Kasia went on to serve with the 151st unit of the Special Operations Forces.

Her family said she was an ‘inspiration in resilience and grace’ and the ‘kindest and most selfless person one could hope to meet’.

She spent her last 18 months in Ukraine, helping with logistics and as a combat medic everywhere in the country. Katherine was an amazing woman and words can’t express how much she was loved and how much she will be missed.

Kasia is no longer with us, but the world will always remember her warmth, love and grace.