In 1929 the family emigrated to Segré, near Angers, in France but returned to Poland in the Summer of 1935. The children had become fluent in French and now struggled to learn in the Polish and Ukraine-speaking school. However, through sheer determination Anna prevailed and won a scholarship to a college for girls in Trembowla.

Unfortunately, the invasion of Poland by Germany and the start of World War Two interceded. While on a school trip to Warsaw, she and other children were abducted by German soldiers and taken for forced labour in Germany. First she was put to work on a farm near Uelzen, and later moved to a labour camp in order to work at a factory at Clausthal. She spent her teenage years as a slave to the German war effort.

From there she emigrated to England and began work with several other Polish girls at the George Angus & Co factory, High Bentham, on 2 January 1948. She met Donald Hebblethwaite, who also worked at George Angus, and they married on 26th March 1955. They made their home at King Street, High Bentham. 

In 1956, she left  George Angus  & Co to have their only child, John, who was born in May, and who is the Website author.
 

Anna wrote down her memories of childhood, and life up to the time of her retirement in 1985, so that it would not be forgotten. She had these published privately under the title My Long Journey to Freedom. It has been loaned to and read by a number of people in the Bentham area. Click on the links opposite to download a PDF file or hear an introduction in her own words. 

For many years after her retirement, Anna could be found walking the country lanes around Bentham enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. She never forgot her early trials and counted her blessings. In the 90s, Anna became a proud and loving Granny to Robert and he joined her on many of her walks. 

However, she became increasingly forgetful and was taken into medical care in April 2002, first in Oaklands, Lancaster, then Moss View, Heysham. Since April 2004 she had been resident at Anley Hall Nursing Home, Settle. She died peacefully in her sleep on Monday 1 September, 2008 at the age of 82 years..

Her son, Ivan, married Leca and they had a daughter, Switlana, and a son, also Ivan. Unfortunately Ivan died 07.03.2002 leaving Leca to bring up her children alone.

Anna's youngest bother, Jasio, (far right) was born in December 1929. He died 17.12.1997. I have no details of his life and would appreciate any assistance from relatives in the Ukraine who may read this page.