A HELENSBURGH dad who fled with his family from Kyiv as Russia invaded Ukraine is working to keep the world’s focus - and help - on the country’s suffering civilians.

Stuart McKenzie, 51, has been raising money and directing support for millions of refugees who are refugees in Poland as well as small communities throughout Ukraine.

And the dad of two has gained new fame this week after he penned a poem that was turned into a track by a top Ukrainian DJ.

The video has been viewed more than 8,000 times in just the first three days, put together by DJ Pasha, who co-hosted Ukraine’s first Eurovision Song Contest in 2005.

The videos are part of keeping global attention on the plight of Ukraine, with no end in sight to the war and a daily need for food and supplies for Ukrainians both at home and in safety abroad.

Stuart and his family - wife Lena, mother-in-law Galina, and sons Robert, 15, and Stuart, 12 - fled the country as the war began.

A businessman in Kyiv for 30 years, he began transforming his Krakow factory with the help of staff there. He evacuated all the female staff and their children from Ukraine.

In the four months since the war started, Stuart’s family and millions of others have wondered when they will be able to return home.

He told the Advertiser this week: “You wake up one morning and everyone you’ve known for the last 30 years is suddenly scattered around the world.

“It’s really difficult. The war before was going on for eight years. It could go on for another eight years.

“The stakes are way higher. The longer it goes on, the harder it will be for Russia. Ukrainians are still queuing to join the army ... As long as they can get weapons.

“I think some people will give up and not want to go back. The most horrible part is not knowing when this will end - it’s a tunnel without the lights on.

“We have all our staff and friends here - you want to keep everyone stable.”

Stuart is a member of the Lions Club International business charity, and has made connections with more than 100 clubs across Europe to help.

There is not a need for items such as clothing any more, he says: the key is money to pay for food, with supplies being bought from local suppliers wherever possible.

Anyone interested in donating to Stuart’s relief effort can find out more about doing so by emailing stuart@reakiro.com.

Stuart said they are being led by local need, particularly in smaller communities. People queue every day and usually get 10 items, one of each, a day.

“The need is everywhere,” said Stuart. “We are working with distributors - they know what people want and need and work with us.

“We get a lot of good advice from the guys.

“There are places that have not had food or water for months.

“It’s a pot that never gets full.”

The poem adapted by DJ Pasha and translated into Ukrainian reads, in part:

“We will never forget and never forgive,

“We will remember this as all long as we live,

“So Father and Mother, don’t worry,

“God is on our side,

“We will see you soon, toast our heroes and rebuild with pride.”