Body of aid volunteer returned in Ukraine prisoner swap
Christopher Parry, 28, was killed trying to save an elderly woman.
Last updated 4th Feb 2023
Ukraine says the body of an aid volunteer who grew up in Cornwall has been returned as part of a prisoner swap with Russia.
Christopher Parry, 28, was killed after setting out for the embattled city of Soledar.
Ukraine's confirmed it swapped 116 of it's servicemen in exchange for returning 63 Russian troops.
According to a statement from the parents of Andrew Bagshaw - another aid volunteer who was killed - the pair were attempting to rescue an elderly woman in an area of intense military action when their car was hit by an artillery shell.
Mr Parry's family confirmed the men were killed, in a statement released through the Foreign Office.
The statement from Rob, Christine and Katy Parry said: "It is with great sadness we have to announce that our beloved Chrissy has been killed along with his colleague Andrew Bagshaw whilst attempting a humanitarian evacuation from Soledar, eastern Ukraine.
"His selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged there has made us and his larger family extremely proud.
"We never imagined we would be saying goodbye to Chris when he had such a full life ahead of him.
"He was a caring son, fantastic brother, a best friend to so many and a loving partner to Olga.
"Chris was a confident, outward looking and adventurous young man who was loyal to everyone he knew.
"He lived and worked away as a software engineer but Cornwall was always his home. He loved rock climbing, cycling, running and skydiving and wanted to travel the world.
"He found himself drawn to Ukraine in March in its darkest hour at the start of the Russian invasion and helped those most in need, saving over 400 lives plus many abandoned animals.
"It is impossible to put into words how much he will be missed but he will forever be in our hearts.
"We feel so privileged that he chose our family to be part of."
Mr Parry, who was born in Truro but later moved to Cheltenham, had previously spoken of evacuating people from the front line.