A model and former Army veteran has told how she is seeking to become the first known British woman to join the fighting in Ukraine.
Rebecca Tume, 32, from north London, is preparing to travel 1,500 miles after first making contact with the Ukrainian embassy near Holland Park.
She told the Standard: “There is a high risk of being killed but the scenes in Ukraine are heartbreaking. I am highly trained and prepared to defend those in need. I’ve always wanted a purpose and I feel this is my purpose in life.”
Ms Tume served in the Army as a dog handler between 2006 and 2008, was taught how to fire weapons and operated the Bowman communications system. She has worked as a model and security guard and was motivated after watching daily news footage of the devastation and suffered by civilians.
“I want to be there to make a difference,” she said. “We can’t just sit and watch. I’ve sorted out my passport along with my will.”
Ms Tume, an orphan, said that her troubled childhood prepared her for trip to Ukraine.
She added: “I went into care at the age of 10 and my sister went missing in 2006. She has not been seen since.
“I have a disabled brother who is happy and well looked after where he is. He doesn’t understand, and will be okay. I slept on hard floors as a child. My childhood made me strong.”
About four serving British soldiers are believed to have gone absent without leave to join the resistance against the Russian invasion.
Veterans and Britons without combat experience have also travelled to Ukraine. Ministry of Defence chiefs have banned all service personnel from travelling to Ukraine “until further notice”.
Nothing can be done to stop veterans travelling as British citizens. But Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said there are “better ways” for Britons to help.
