My wife, Anna, and myself are trying to play a very small part in helping Ukrainian refugees - in particular mothers and young children (fathers of those children have stayed in Ukraine to fight for their country). We're coordinating aid from Lancashire, alongside volunteers and charities in Poland. We're seeking to collect items that we already know are needed there, on the ground, namely:

1) toiletries and baby products, sleeping bags, blankets and first aid kits

2) items for the youngest and most vulnerable refugees: colouring books, crayons, art & craft items, small cuddly toys or books (only in Ukrainian), sweets (small packs)

3) medications for Ukrainian soldiers

A local resident has kindly offered to lend us a van to help us transport the goods. Her husband and myself will do the driving, but of course there is a significant cost to an emergency journey like this (petrol, tolls, ferry/Eurotunnel).

With this appeal, we're looking to raise £1500 to cover the cost of a return journey. Any excess amount will be used to buy medications or other priority items. These will be bought locally, and we will confirm which products are needed with MSF and Ukrainian coordinators. All receipts will be available to view after we return. If you prefer to contribute some material goods instead (as per the list above), these can be ordered to our home address as well. Please email or call me for details (07418089089).

PS. This page is set up in good faith and open to all, though primarily intended for colleagues in the Public Health Analysis Unit at DHSC (Maciek's workplace) as well as South Lakeland District Council (Anna's workplace). If you feel circulating this appeal via workplace network is not appropriate, please accept our apologies.

Slava Ukraini!