News Story: Pick Ups for Ukraine
Becs and I met nearly forty years ago when we volunteered together in Saos, Kenya. Like many Project Trust volunteers, we forged a strong bond and have remained close friends ever since. A few weeks ago, in mid-January, Becs phoned me and asked whether I would be interested in being a co-driver to deliver humanitarian aid and a donated 4×4 vehicle to Ukraine. Becs and her husband Tris had already completed this trip four times over the past two years, so despite initial nerves, I felt in good hands and agreed to help.
We would be part of a 38-vehicle convoy under the P4P charity https://www.pickupsforpeace.co.uk/, who have already delivered over 570 second-hand vehicles and aid over the past few years. The vehicles were to be predominantly used for medical evacuation for wounded soldiers on the front line; delivering medical supplies; and helping with mine clearance.
On Wednesday 19th February, we left the UK via the Eurotunnel in our Ford Ranger filled with medical supplies – surgical masks, syringe packs, bandages, face shields, iodine incise drapes, and other miscellaneous bits and pieces. The journey took us approximately 1,400 miles across Europe through France, Germany and Poland, where we crossed the border into Ukraine. Our final destination was the beautiful city of Lviv, which was about two hours from the border and required a full police escort: 38 vehicles, flashing lights, nose to tail, no stopping (even for red lights!) – an exhilarating experience, and Becs drove brilliantly.
After three days of travelling, we arrived in Lviv and handed over our vehicles and supplies to our Ukrainian friends. There was a lovely moment speaking to the Ukrainian soldiers and the Governor of Lviv, as well as meeting some MPs from the UK who were on their way to Kyiv. We then spent two nights in Lviv, which allowed some of us to visit a local hospital where some of the team were helping with prosthetic limbs; a potato farm that provided starch for a variety of uses in both food and health; a drone research centre; as well as a chance to see the beautiful city of Lviv – think Prague without the tourism.
Our return trip involved coaches and minibuses, and most of the team flew back to the UK via Kraków. I did take the opportunity to visit Auschwitz; Becs had already visited after being part of a previous convoy.
As I reflect on my trip, it’s clear that living here in the UK makes it very easy for world events to be out of sight and out of mind. Being in Ukraine helped to focus my thoughts, and I have been reflecting on what I experienced. There were moments of sorrow and sadness: listening to a priest read out the names of soldiers at a memorial service, looking at flags with the name, birth and death dates of soldiers, hugging a father grieving for his son. As well as moments of hope: watching an old lady light a candle in a Catholic church, climbing to the top of the Town Hall tower and seeing the city spread out in the sunshine, reading messages written on paper angels made by local schoolchildren. And moments of appreciation: standing in sub-zero temperatures being thanked by soldiers and townsfolk for our continuing support; standing arm in arm with a woman whose husband is currently fighting; buying a record from a local stallholder who, when he heard of what we had done, wanted a photo and gave a huge hug.
My overarching impression is that although there is sadness, there is also hope, an appreciation of friendship and support, and immense pride. I would urge anyone who is interested in helping this charity https://www.pickupsforpeace.co.uk/ to either take part and/or donate a 4×4 vehicle and/or donate funds – there are lots of convoys being planned in the coming months, so it’s never too late.
Kate Scott, Project Trust Alumni
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