The sister of an Irish student trapped in Ukraine has said that herself and her family have been through a "traumatic experience." while awaiting news.
And we got a positive update this morning from one of her family members.
Speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland, her sister Christiana said: "She has officially left Sumy and are heading for a border to get to safety.
"I've spoken to her and she's said they've met a lot of checkpoints along the way by both militaries, but so far so good, they've passed smoothly.
"Her phone is being used as their sat nav, so we're able to talk once they're stopped. It's been really difficult.
"She's been positive the entire journey so she's holding on to that spirit, she knows she's nearly there and nearly safe."
Though Rachel has been keeping positive, Christiana explained that her family have been panicking when watching the news unfold.
Sumy was heavily shelled last night by Russian bombing, with a number of civilians killed.
Christiana said: "It's been really difficult for us but the past two days have given us our first bit of hope. We're just hoping she gest home as soon as possible, it's been like a nightmare. It's so surreal. Our family have been scared, crying, worried - but now we know she's on the way and will be with us soon so we're holding on to that hope.
"It's been a really traumatic experience. She's alive - so we still have hope.
As for what happens when Rachel makes it back to these shores, that remains unclear for now.
Christiana explained: "We had no contact from the Department of Foreign Affairs until last night but they're doing their best to arrange something. Nothing official has been passed on to us yet but I'm assuming there'll be some kind of travel arranged."
