Like many of us, we have been wondering how most effectively we can provide some small measure of support to the brave people of Ukraine one year on from the full-scale invasion and have decided to join an existing team of likeminded individuals based in and around Towcester. The team includes Paul Parsons who took out two aid filled pickups to Lviv in February, Steve Challen whose wife, Paula, is Rector of the parishes of the Tove Benefice and who acts as treasurer and buyer and Oleh, a Ukraine guest staying in Towcester with his wife Uliana and children. During 2022 the community of Towcester and surrounding villages have been generous in contributing to a number of substantial aid collections led by Steve and coordinated through the Tove Benefice.

Here is a link to the previous Aid Delivery and Tove Benefice efforts

On the 1st of April we intend to drive out to Lviv and leave there two pick-ups, one ambulance and one van to be converted into an ambulance all to assist with the military and humanitarian and effort. Our aim is to raise sufficient funds not only to buy these but also to fill each vehicle with humanitarian aid and medical items which have been specifically requested by contacts on the front-line and which Steve will source. Priorities change from month to month but typically will include: Lifesaving field trauma items; Portable evacuation stretchers; Junctional tourniquets; Thermal items; One generator per vehicle. So far for the April delivery we have bought:

- 6 Junctional Tourniquets; 350 Tourniquets; 136 Stretchers; 250 Celox Clotting Applicators; 200 Celox Clotting Gauze; 300 Chest Wound Seals; 350 Field Trauma Bandages; 200 Hydrocoloid Dressings; 3 Generators; 35 Ear Muffs; 75 Power Banks; 20 Cookers; 17 Winter Sleeping Bags; 200 Ration Packs; 15,000 Water Purification Tablets

William is funding the cost of one vehicle, a second will be bought with funds raised for the February delivery and the ambulances will be bought with funds now being raised. All personal travel and vehicle transport costs will be funded by those of us driving the vehicles so any monies raised will be used to buy here in the UK (or possibly in Poland if cheaper and/or more widely available) the items that have been requested by our contacts in Ukraine. When delivered in Lviv the aid will be passed to Oleh's trusted volunteer aid network member, Iryna Vovk, who will distribute it where needs are greatest. On the February trip the vehicles and aid reached their final frontline and other destinations within three days of arrival in Ukraine.

If we are fortunate enough to be able to acquire more aid than can be taken out in one trip, we will follow it up with further trips.

CAF - In the event that you would prefer to make a donation using a CAF cheque, Peterborough Cathedral as a registered charity have kindly agreed to act as 'banker' where cheques need to be paid into a charity account. In those circumstances your cheque should be made payable to ' Peterborough Cathedral Chapter (AFU) ' and posted either to William Francklin at The Old Rectory, Wicken, MK19 6BX or Paul Parsons, Southfields House Towcester, Northamptonshire,NN12 8EA.

With best wishes and thanks,

William Francklin, Anthony White, and Rupert Douglas-Pennant