Medical supplies donated by the Coventry and Warwickshire public and local businesses have arrived in western Ukraine after a 1,300-mile journey.
A Renault Traffic minibus filled with bandages, pain relief and specialist equipment has arrived in Lviv to provide vital supplies to the frontline and to transport Ukrainian refugees to safety.
Jim Morris, Peter Kingham and David Whitehead drove the minibus from Life Church Bedworth to Lviv, 43 miles beyond the Polish border, in shifts. The minibus is now being used by local Pastor Daniel to transport women, children and elderly people out of Ukraine.
It is estimated that the donations, which included five large boxes of unused professional heath equipment from Coventry College and individuals, totalled more than £20,000.
The trio flew back home from Poland four days later. Life Church are now preparing for a second trip on Friday, July 8, to do some work with children from Ukraine and are calling for local people to give what they can.
Linda Baynes, work base Academy Technical Trainer at Coventry College and volunteer at Life Church Bedworth, said: “It’s fantastic that the College agreed for this equipment to be taken to Ukraine where it will be used on the front line in a show of solidarity with people still in Ukraine and other Ukrainians across the world.
“We received a message from a young pastor in Ukraine, who said ‘I hope they won’t forget us, just because the war is still going on, we need help’, and we want to do everything we can to help,
“As a volunteer at Life Church, I have seen the great things that can be achieved through community effort, but this is a truly impressive feat. By supporting the local community, the College has been able to play a part in, potentially, saving lives of vulnerable people more than a thousand miles away.
“The commitment shown by Jim, Peter and David has been tremendous, and while we are delighted to see them return home safely, it would be great if we could see a repeat of the support shown by local people, businesses, and other organisations to ensure their next trip carries as much vital equipment as possible.”
Items can be dropped off at Dovedale House, Life Church Bedworth on Bulkington Road, Tuesday to Fridays 9.00- 4.00pm while donations can also be made online.
Caption: Jim Morris, Peter Kingham & David Whitehead drove the minibus from Life Church Bedworth to Lviv, 43 miles beyond the Polish border