After weeks of planning and fund raising the moment had come to commence our first relief operation.
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On the 1st April 2022 we loaded up the van with goods sourced and supplied by Aid for Ukraine in Hereford. Left to right: Peter, Jim, Andrew and Tony.
Ready to Go
With the van fully loaded with the help of the wonderful Aid for Ukraine staff we said our goodbyes to them and to Jim, Mat and Beata as they prepared to set off on a straight through drive to Warsaw, Poland.
The Ferry
The Stena Ferry crew were amazing, welcoming us aboard and providing us with food and cabins. A big shout out to the Stena Ferry Crew.
The Long Drive
The drive to Warsaw from the Hook of Holland was nearly 800 miles long and took over 12 hours.
Pit Stop
We did have the occasional break for food, drink and a change of drivers.
The Arrival
It was great to finally arrive in Warsaw after 24 hours of driving.
Unloading
Unloading was completed quickly and efficiently by the distribution centre staff. They were incredibly grateful for everything we had brought with us and in particular for the hospital infant cots loaded with supplies.
Message of Support
As we unloaded we noticed a message of support wrapped into one of the cots by the donors. The message starts with 'Bravery and courage comes within you. You've got this'.
Delivery Into Ukraine
Ukranian volunteers took the goods we had delivered to Poland on the long and dangerous journey into Ukranain. The infant cots being taken to hospitals in Simla and Kharkiv.
Kharkiv Hospital
Some of the medical supplies including some of the infant cots were taken to a Kharkiv Hospital.
Delivery to the hospital
The cots being taken into the Kharkiv hospital by extremely grateful staff.
Nurses from the Infant Ward
Nurses receiving some of the contents packed into each of the infant cots.
Simla Hospital
Some of the medical supplies including some of the infant cots were taken to Smila Central District Hospital.
Delivery to the hospital
The cots being taken into the Smila Central District hospital. We have received messages of thanks from them.
Note from UK Children
Packed into one of the cots was this message of love and support from the children of England.
Food Parcels
The food we had delivered along with some locally source product was divided up into emergency supplies for Ukrainian families.
Receiving a Food Parcel
A mother and daughter collect their food parcel.
Taking it Home
Two sisters share a food parcel.