In 2018, I had the pleasure of travelling to Ukraine with two great friends on a fund raising charity trip for our local First Responders. I only spent three days in Kyiv but found the people to be decent, friendly, warm and welcoming. For that reason, I decided to do something to help them.

Our first trip!

We visited Ukraine in April 2022, with a suitcase of childrens clothes and sweets and plus a debit card with nearly £7,000 to spend on food and essentials. We flew to Krakow and met with Igor, a Ukrainian refugee who moved to Poland after Russia invaded.

Our first trip was to a supermarket, where we filled the bus with supplies – twelve full shopping trollies in total!

We headed to Jaroslaw in Poland for the night and the next day, after a surprisingly short three hours, we crossed into Ukraine and headed for Lviv for the first of our food drops to refugees living in apartments.

From Lviv, we went East to Ternopil and met with the leaders of a church which feeds 200 people a day. After learning what they needed, we went to a missionary refuge where we unloaded all of our supplies and were given food and a bed for the night.

The next day, we went to a huge cash and carry and filled the minibus again, this time to take to the church. We filled their stockroom with enough food to feed 200 people for around two weeks.

That afternoon, we visited two local schools which have been turned into refugee centres, with ten or twelve people living on mattresses on the floor of classrooms. Many had been injured, most had lost everything and all were in tears to see that we had travelled to bring something.

After this, more shopping for the missionary refuge and then we returned to Lviv. An interesting evening with air raid sirens but luckily, no actual raid!

On the Sunday, we bought more supplies and crossed back into Poland. We headed to Krakow where we said goodbye to Igor who then drove the supplies to Warsaw to distribute to fellow Ukrainians living near him.

An amazing trip, full of emotion and great satisfaction. To see the look on the face of a person who has next to nothing when you give them enough food for a week is something quite valuable. To know you helped is priceless and we created some memories in those few days that we will never forget.

Our second trip!

We had a successful second trip to Ukraine in June 2022, visiting Rivne, Kyiv, Velyka Dymerka, Irpin and Bucha.

A far more disturbing trip than the first. On our first trip, we met many people living in uncomfortable but safe surroundings. This time, we visited people living in what remained of their shattered homes. Some still had remnants of Russian missiles in their gardens and all had experienced the worst of humanity.

The devastation we experienced in Irpin and Bucha was worse than anything you have seen on the news. Home after home destroyed but people were still trying to live there despite no water and no electricity.

One of the saddest moments was meeting Anastacia and her mother. Anastacia is disabled and she and her parents had fled their home in the East when the Russians invaded. They were living in an unused school in Rivne along with more than 100 other refugees. We gave them plenty of food and promised we would find medicine in Kyiv and post it back for Anastacia.

This was an eye opening experience and, at times, a quite upsetting one. Nevertheless, it made us more determined than even to continue doing whatever we can.

Our third trip

AUgust 2022, we flew to Poland and again, met with Igor. He had already been shopping and had dozens of bags of food to distribute. We drove into Ukraine with two Ukrainian women and their children who were desperate to return home and dropped one off with her family in Korostyshiv. The young boy hadn't seen his grandfather since the war started and they hugged for the whole time we were there.

From there, the long drive to Kyiv, taking the other lady and her son safely home.

Our first full day in Kyiv meant an early vist to the cash and carry and this was the pattern for the next three days, buying food , packing identical bags, loading them into our minibus and driving to destroyed towns and villages to deliver it. We visited Chernihiv, Bohdanivka, Borodyanka, Vyleka Dymerka and others. All had people living in shattered homes, often without water or electricity.

An additional and very moving part of our trip was to take the ashes of a young British soldier, Jordan Gatley who died in June whilst fighting with the International Legion. He was posthumously awarded Ukraines highest military honour and I was proud to collect this on his parents behalf.

Our fourth trip!

Our fourth trip was easily the most successful, most rewarding and most unnerving. We flew from Birmingham airport to Warsaw. From there, we drove through heavy snow to the border at Medyka where we parked and walked across to meet Igor. We then started the 400 mile journey to Kyiv, over very poor roads and in heavy snow but couldn't make it all the way and stayed in a hotel near Korostyshiv. Next morning, we hit Kyiv and met with our contacts in the Ukraine army who had arranged for us to take food into an area close to the front line.

We had an extra van, filling it with around £3,800 of food plus a generator for a village that had no electricity since the start of thr war. We went to Odessa and then Mykolaiv for the night. Next morning, we travelled to a church where members of the army were waiting to help us pack 200 separate bags of food. Once loaded, we headed for Oleksandrivka where villagers were waiting for us. Every person here had either lost their home or had it damaged. There was no electricity and the village hall was the hub for everything, with a wood burning stove, makeshift power and an internet connection. We gave food to everyone.

From there we went to Stanislav and handed out more food and it was here that we heard artillery in the distance for the first time. Quite disturbing!

Then, on to Kherson, a city recently liberated by the Ukrainians but still under daily shelling. The devastation there was as bad as anything we had seen in any of our trips and it's hard to imagine what these people have endured. We gave out the rest of our food and headed back to Mykolaiv. We learned later that Kherson was again shelled and people injured.

On Wednesday, we left Mykolaiv to return to Kyiv and visisted a team of soldiers who are responsbile for tracking and shooting down drones and missiles. We then finished Wednesday with more shopping and bagged it ready for delivery on Thursday morning.

On Thursday, after delivering to a nearby village, we went shopping again, this time buying a massive quantity of food to take to the army church in Kyiv where they could then take it further to the front line in Bakhmut. Once unloaded, we returned to the cash and carry for another shop. We bagged this up in sub zero temperatures and, due to failing light, decided to deliver it the next morning.

Friday, our last day in Kyiv, we were woken at 4.00am by air raid sirens. Even though we've heard them many times before, they still send a shiver down your spine. We set off to travel to Chernihiv and met with Valeria who had arranged for a large crowd of people to gather and we handed out all of our food.

As we left Chernihiv to head to Kyiv, most of Ukraine was under air raid alert. It seems that Russia had launched a mass missile attack at Kyiv as well as Kherson where we had been previously and Lviv where we were headed next! However, a safe but long journey took us to Lviv at 10pm that evening. The next morning, we did the last two hours back to Medyka, walked through both border checkpoints and collected our car.

Our fifth trip

All of our aid trips are in memory and honour of Jordan Gatley, an English soldier who died in Ukraine. Jordan’s mum and dad, Sally and Dean, have become great supporters of our aid efforts and Dean joined us for this trip.

We flew to Warsaw and again drove to the border, met with Igor and headed for Kyiv. Although the weather was good, traffic and accidents meant we couldn’t reach Kyiv before the midnight curfew. We stayed in a familiar hotel and made the rest of the journey the next day.

Our first visit was to deliver some goods to Tania & Dima Malinovski who had left Ukraine once the war started. Dima had suffered kidney failure in the past and now needs dialysis every two days. Only in the last two weeks, had he received the assurance that this could be done in Ukraine and he and Tania returned.

From there, we went shopping, filled well over a hundred bags with food and then met with another Dima, our Army friend. He had arranged for us to take food to remote villages north of Kharkiv.

Next morning, we drove to a town called Derhachi to meet with Svetlana from the local government office. For the first time, we were told we needed a permit from the military to enter a conflict zone.

Svetlana led the way, saying we must follow her path exactly due to mines. We headed North East to two villages, the first of which was Mali Prokhody and it was here that we realised just how close we were to the Russian border. The artillery fire sounded much closer than we heard on the last trip and, when we checked the map, Russia was less than 10km (6 miles) away! Mali Prokhody was occupied on the second day of the Russian invasion and lost their electricity then. They still had no electricity when we visited.

At Velyki Prokhody, most buildings were destroyed, including a medical centre that was brand new and due to open five days later. The Russians used the local school as their base and it was tragic to see all of the childrens things but with most of them destroyed and defaced. The school theatre was still full of Russian equipment and the sports hall had been used to hide Russian tanks. In September, when the Ukrainians liberated the village, many of the Russian soldiers were killed and on a blackboard, written by a Russian soldier, was the message that translates into “Forgive Us”.

With our food given out, we returned to Kyiv and, as Dean was with us, we were asked to join members of the International Legion of Ukraine for dinner. These were Jordan Gatley’s comrades and the time spent with them will stay in my mind. We were also presented with a medal from the International Legion representatives.

The next day, Dean stayed with Jordan’s former commander and Dave, Igor and I went shopping, spending a few thousand pounds on food and took it to the Army church for them to bag it and distribute it closer to the frontline. Once unloaded, we returned for more shopping, this time bagging it up in the normal way.

It was late by the time we finished and we called it a day. The next day, we returned to a village we visited last year, Velyka Dymerka. Some things had changed here, with some people managing to start rebuilding their homes but others were not so lucky.

By now, the money was spent and we decided to start the long journey back to the Polish border, breaking it overnight at Pantaliya, near Rivne. The next day, we finished up at Medyka around lunchtime, had the customary farewell photo with Igor and crossed the border back to the car before driving to Warsaw.

Our sixth trip

OUR SIXTH TRIP WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT!

This time, we took a car to donate to the Ukrainian Army. We set off late on Thursday 24th August and made it to Lviv in Ukraine for Saturday night, finishing in Kyiv at 3.30pm on Sunday 27th with a total of around 1,750 miles. We met with Igor and went shopping, then packed over 100 bags of food to deliver the next day. We then took the car to the Army Church, handed it over and got to bed.

Next day, off to Chernihiv. Just outside the city, a party of around 100 people were waiting for us. We handed out 100 bags of food and gave two children some knitted gifts from the amazing Nutty Knitters group in Nantwich. With that done, we headed back to Kyiv to buy more food and packed another 100 bags for the next day when we visit a place we haven't seen before.

Another long day Tuesday. Drove back to Chernihiv to pick up Anton, a new guide and then north for a further three hours to Orlivka, a village close to both the Belarus and the Russian borders. At the village church, people were waiting and we handed out food. The drive back was the same five hours and no time to shop for the next day.

Wednesday morning, around 5.00am, Kyiv came under attack again, with a missile hitting a supermarket around 2.5 miles from our hotel. Out for early shopping before heading off to a village called Dymer, stopping on the way at Sirius Dog Rescue to give them dog food. A warm welcome from everyone at Dymer and again, all of our food was given out.

No drama on the Wednesday night and, after an early food shop and delivery, we took the eight hour drive from Kyiv to the Polish border. We walked across the border and the next day, took a six hour train trip to Warsaw, ending up there at 4.30pm before flying home the next day.

Our seventh trip

Again a different trip. This time, on my own, with a flight from Birmingham to Krakow, a train from Krakow to Przemsyl and a taxi for the final bit to Medyka. Crossed the border, met with Igor and headed to Lviv where we met with Taras to hand equipment over to him. After that, the long drive to Kyiv, arriving at a hotel with just ten minutes to spare before the midnight curfew!

We had agreed to visit Kharkiv and Dnipro so the first morning was spent shopping with our biggest load ever - enough food to fill 220 identical bags. All the food was packed in the cold car park and we then delivered 20 of the bags to local people and grabbed an early night ready for the long day the next day.

Next day, up and out at 6.30am for the 500km drive to Kharkiv with terrible roads, sometimes travelling at 20mph or less due to the potholes. At Kharkiv, we met with Konstantin who had arranged for a large group of people to be there. As we arrived, air raid sirens were sounding and we were given coffee before meeting the 200 people. All 200 bags were given out and we headed off to Dnipro where we immediately went shopping, this time packing 230 bags in the dark and the snow at 11.30pm! Finally a hotel and a good sleep.

Next morning, we drove to Synel'nykove, meeting with a lady called Alla. Alla heads up a church in Synel'nykove and proudly showed us the building they are preparing as a new community centre before taking us to their existing place where she had arranged for a hundred people or so to meet with us. We handed out food, shared hugs and had tears with many of the people and then drove back to Dnipro with Alla to the cultural centre where Alla has another church congregation and a childrens club. We distributed the rest of our food and, as we finished, the children presented us with drawings and with hand made bracelets.

Then a sad goodbye to Alla, with us promising we will return. After a seven hour drive back to Kyiv, I arrived in my hotel and had the first beer of the trip. One minute later, the air raid warning sounded but the beer was too good to leave!

Next day, we had the pleasure of a later start, with me being persuaded to walk on the frozen Dnipro River in Kyiv whilst many locals were making holes in the ice to catch fish! Then, off to the cash and carry for more shopping, spending the last of our food money on food to take to the army church. Due to a change of plan, we couldn't meet the church members that afternoon so it left me free to take the Kyiv Metro to the centre of Kyiv via Arsenalna, the deepst underground station in Europe. A 20 minute journey, costing just 17 pence!

The afternoon in Kyiv was wonderful, with the city being as vibrant, colourful and picturesque as ever. The sad part being that the sea of flags in the main square that marks the fallen solders has grown beyond recognition.

Next morning, off to distribute some food to local people before delivering the food from the day before to the army church. We then went with our friend Dima to a local equipment warehouse where we had a special purchase to make. The local Soroptomists in Nantwich had kindly raised enough money to buy another generator and, after choosing this, we delivered it to Grisha in the village of Hlevakha.

We returned to Kyiv to change vehicles and, on the way,, drove through a residential area that had been under missile or drone attack earlier in the month. Many damaged buildings and several destroyed cars. From there, we headed to Lviv and found a hotel for the night.

Next day, just a two hour trip to the border and, on the way, we stopped in Mostyska where we met a Canadian man who had been in Ukraine for just one day after joining the International Legion. He was getting his army ID sorted and happily posed for a photo. I hope he stays safe. From here, we drove to the border at Medyka and, after the normal sad goodbye to Igor, I took a taxi to Przemsyl and a train to Krakow.

The eighth trip

Again, on my own for this trip. Took a train from Stafford to Birmingham airport, then flew to Krakow. Next day, a train to Przemsyl and a new train all the way to Kyiv. Arrived in Kyiv at 9.15pm and immediately went to a cash and carry where Igor's friends had already started shopping. By the time we had finished, it was dark but we managed to pack 200 bags and load them into the van for the next day. Then off to a hotel for a much needed sleep.

Next day, out at 5.30am for the 7 hour drive to Dnipro. We arrived in Synel'nykove to meet with Alla and Pasha. We gave out food to some lovely people and then headed back to Dnipro where we met children and were given gifts again. Outside, we handed out the remainder of the food and, after saying goodbye to Alla, went with Pasha to a building that suffered a direct hit from a missile earlier in the year and were shown the cuddly toy memorial that had been created. Very sad to see. Lastly, more shopping!

Friday, under constatnt air raid sirens, we headed to Kharkiv, where we again met with Konstantin who had organised for a large crowd of people to meet us. All received food and we also met a lady called Anna who needed some additional equipment and supplies such as cooking pans and utensils. We provided what we could and said we would provide more next time. After this, six hours back to Kyiv.

The next day had the bonus of a lie in! I was collected by Igor at 9.30am and then straight off to get fuel for van and coffee. From there, a two hour drive to Orane, with detours to bypass demolished bridges.

Once at Orane, there was a massive crowd of people and it's the first time where there was no order. The people were clearly desperate for food and after much pushing and shoving, we managed to get the van doors open and 150 bags were gone in 7 minutes! That's less than 3 seconds per bag and a record for us.

From Orane, a two hour drive back to Kyiv where we met with another Igor and two of his daughters at a Metro cash and carry. Another 150 bags packed ready for the next day and, by 8.30pm, I was back to my hotel.

What a day the next day turned out to be! Certainly the most exciting, scary and all round satisfying day I've had! Also, one of the longest!

Out at 5.30am and we started out towards Sumy where we were to meet representatives from the military and the local police. It was a relatively short trip of 330 kilometres (205 miles) but, in parts, the roads were the worst I've experienced and it was still a journey of nearly five hours.

Once at Sumy, we met with our guides and they were to take us first to a small village called Bilopillya which was around 6 miles from the Russian border and then onto another village which was even closer. It was another hours drive from Sumy and, when we arrived we met with the lady mayor of the village and she joined us as we visited certain houses to drop off bags of food.

Most of the people in the village are refugees, having been evacuated from villages even closer to the border than this one. In many houses, people were sharing with different families and just doing all they can to survive.

After visiting a few houses, we headed towards the next village and we were stopped at an Army checkpoint. They insisted we turn around and head back as the village we were heading for was being shelled! We headed back to Bilopillya and met people in the main street but were then warned that a Russian drone was often in the skies overhead and we were told not to stay in one place for long and not to gather as a large crowd. As we were handing out food, there was a very loud crack, like thunder and they came in pairs every few minutes as artillery was being fired. It's the closest I've been to it and it's really quite scary.

Our guides took the decision that we should evacuate the area as it might become too dangerous. We took a good number of bags to the local administration building for people to collect and then made one final but very sad stop. A house on the outskirts of the village was a refuge for many older people, some bed bound, some injured and all displaced from their homes, many of which have been destroyed. Really heartbreaking and the second time I've been in tears this trip. I thought I had hardened to the sad scenes but clearly not.

We left them with the last of our food bags and said goodbye to our guides who left us to make our way back to Sumy and from there, we headed back to Kyiv, arriving at the Metro cash and carry in time for the last big shopping session. With 100 bags packed and in the van, it was back to the hotel for my normal fine dining and a comfortable bed. An eighteen hour day and a memorable one!

The next day was another luxurious lie in with Igor collecting me from my hotel at 9.00am. From there, onto a quite amazing store called Epicentre which genuinely has everything under one roof. We had money set aside to buy a generator to take to a village East of Kyiv. The money for this was raised by two good people who arranged a fund raising quiz earlier in the year. The last two we have bought have been around £800 each and we expected the same. But, with a little help from the exchange rate and falling prices, we managed to get two. With them loaded onto our van, we went off to deliver the food we packed the day before.

Igor had previously met some people who were all refugees from the North and East of Ukraine and all living in an abandoned apartment block. The organiser behind this, gives them accommodation free of charge on the condition that they work two hours a day, every day, to make camouflage nets for the Army. Because Igor knew I had wanted to see this and wanted to have a go, this was a perfect place to visit.

Before food was given out, I had a crash course in weaving ribbons through 5cm holes in the netting and was then left to do it myself. After this, we went outside to meet the people who had gathered and we handed out the food. A great bunch but living in such sad and poor conditions.

From there, we headed off to the village to deliver both generators. One was going to be based at a house we have been to before. A mother and son live there and he is disabled. Until recently, his mother has cared for him but she has recently had a stroke and is now unable to even look after herself. They need a reliable electrical supply and it was great to help them. The other generator will be used to give villagers the opportunity to charge phones when the power is cut off.

Whilst in this village, I noticed a row of photos of fallen soldiers and Igor explained they were all from the village. Desperately sad to see, especially the photos of the young men. Igor took me to the village cemetery where the graves of fallen soldiers are so beautifully decorated, all with Ukrainian flags flying proudly. I paid my respects and, as we were leaving, an older lady arrived on her bicycle and went to one grave. We watched as she talked to her dead son, sobbing as she did so.

After all the highs, lows and scares of the last couple of days, my emotions were a bit battered and all I could do is cry. It was heartbreaking to see. I asked Igor to tell her I was so sorry for her loss and then we watched as she went to every other soldiers grave and placed something on it. Certainly one of my saddest moments.

From there, it was back to a Metro cash and carry to spend the last of the money on 30 bags of food for Dima, our Army Chaplain friend, to take to disadvantaged children. Some of them are in foster care and all are living in unfortunate circumstances. Dima is also the guy that supplies us with helmets and body armour and, on this trip, we have come the closest to needing it. We met with Dina, handed over the food and returned the body armour. Time for a quick photo, then on to take some food to Tanya and another Dima who we have met before. Lovely people and they make us so welcome and we were joined by Alina who we have also met before. Again, a photo and off we went.

We then drove to Independence Square in the centre of Kyiv for me to do the last task of this trip. As you know, I have come to know Jordan Gatleys parents, Sally and Dean and his brother Adam very well. The family have been fantastic in their support of our aid trips and every trip we have done since August 2022 has been in memory and honour of Jordan. Over time, I have come in contact with mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers of other fallen soldiers and have offered to place a photo in the memorial square. With Igor's help, we placed five and will do this for anyone in the future.

RIP Jordan Gatley, Chris 'Pezz' Perryman, James Hands, Dominic Abelen and Kane Te Tai. All heroes and all gave their life fighting for the freedom of a good country.

The next day was my last day in Ukraine for this trip. Collected by Igor, we started the eight hour drive to the border, stopping first for essential coffee and fuel.

After over 600 kilometres involving accidents, checkpoints, more fuel and even more coffee, we arrived at the border town of Shehyni. Always a sad time to say goodbye to Igor, the guy who gets me into and out of more scrapes than you can imagine. An amazing man who never seems to need sleep and runs on Red Bull and espresso coffee. A genuine guardian angel and, to some of my friends, a legend!

From there, across the Ukrainian border crossing point into Poland. From there, a taxi to Przemsyl and a train to Krakow. The next day, a flight home.

The ninth trip

I came back from my ninth trip at the end of September and what a scary trip it was. Certainly the one with the most air raids and the odd missile landing close but it was also the most successful and satisfying.

Again, a train to the station, station to the airport and a flight to Krakow, arriving early evening. The next day, a very early start from Krakow and a train to Przemsyl, near the border with Ukraine, A ten minute taxi takes me to Medyka and I cross over the border in the quickest time ever. On the other side, my friend Igor is waiting for me and we start what turned out to be a nine hour drive to Kyiv. Once we’re there, we’re straight off to a Metro supermarket to buy enough food for 200 people. Once we’re finished, it’s off to a hotel for some kip.

On Thursday we head off to visit Orane, a town near Chernobyl. On the way, we travel through Ivankiv where flowers line the middle of the road for hundreds of yards and the funeral of a Ukrainian soldier is just starting. An incredibly emotional thing to see, especial when everyone present gets on one knee as the procession comes past. Very loud too with music blaring from the first vehicle but it seemed as if the whole town had turned up for this and it was one of the saddest things I’ve seen there. From Ivankiv, we headed first to Khocheva and met with villagers to give out food. Two people who we have met before insisted on thanking us with a box of chocolates! Very humbling when they have nothing. From Khocheva, we headed to Orane where we have been before and gave out the remainder of our food. Then it was back to Kyiv and back to the shopping, with 200 bags needed for Dnipro the next day. By the time we finish shopping, it’s quite late and we pack the bags in the dark before getting some sleep.

Day 4, Friday, is an early start, leaving at 6.00am for the seven hour drive to Synel’nykove, about an hour east of Dnipro. We meet with Alla who invites us in to the church hall to meet everyone and we give out food to around 100 people. From there, we travel back to Dnipro to meet Alla’s other group and the remaining 100 bags are given out. By this time, it’s around 6.00pm and we head to the nearest Metro to buy food for the next day. Again, we pack in the dark with 150 bags for Kharkiv the next day and, just as we’ve finished, a missile lands on a college about half a mile away. It’s the first time I’ve been that close to anything and it was frightening. We arrive at a hotel around 10.00pm with air sirens constantly sounding and manage to get some sleep.

We start the next day with a flat tyre which delays us a while whilst we sort it. We then head off to Kharkiv where we meet again with Konstantin who has arranged for 150 people to gather to wait for us. We give out food, have our tyre repaired and say goodbye before heading back to Kyiv, a journey of around six hours. The day hasn’t ended yet as we have to go shopping again to pack 200 bags for Cherkasy the following day.

Sunday, we start at 5.30am and we drive to Cherkasy. Along the way our phones warn us of air raids and we see several anti aircraft vehicles by the roadside, awaiting drones or missiles. When we arrive in Cherkasy, the air raid sirens are sounding as we drive to a Soviet era apartment block to deliver food to one family. From there, off to the centre of the city to a church where we give food to one special family and then take the remainder inside. We’re asked to stay for the church service and then I’m asked to give a talk to the congregation. With the help of a fabulous translator, I do my best! We then give food out to everyone there before the air raid warnings send us downstairs to the bomb shelter where we get coffee! An hour or so later, it’s safe to leave and we head back to Kyiv for a relatively early night.

The next day is an easier day, with a lie in until 8.00am! We get the closest thing to a proper breakfast at a kiosk outside the hotel and see the sad sight and sound of another funeral procession. We head off to Metro for the last time to buy food for some people who live in the suburbs of Kyiv. One is Irina, a single mother of two children who works but can barely afford to love. The other is Tanya who also has children but her husband is suffering with kidney failure and he needs dialysis frequently which means he can’t work. We deliver food to them and they both do a lovely thank you ‘video’. From there, we go to meet the army chaplain Dima who gives us lunch of chopped cheese, walnuts and honey. From there, we go to a store where Dima has managed to agree a discount on domestic power banks for people to use within apartments where a generator wouldn’t be safe. We buy two.

Then, a sad part of the day. We travel back to the centre of Kyiv to place a photo of another fallen soldier, Malick Joseph, in the main square. I met Malick on his first day in Ukraine back in January when he had travelled from Canada to join the Ukraine International Legion. I then learned back in June that he had died and promised his dad I would place a photo in the square when I returned.

Day 8 is back to the early starts as we head back to the border with Poland at 6.00am. Always a long drive but plenty to see and, after fuel and coffee stops and a little more shopping for Igor, me arrive in the border town of Sheyni. There, it’s good bye to Igor and I walk through both checkpoints and am back in Poland. A taxi takes me to Przemsyl where I get to relax for an hour before taking a train back to Krakow ready for the flight home the next day.

The tenth trip

I flew to Krakow in Poland on Saturday 18th of January and stayed for the night, arriving very late.

Day 1 - the sad sight of wounded soldiers

Up at 5.00am and a taxi from the hotel takes me Krakow Główny train station and, at 6.25am, I'm on a train to Przemyśl. Arrived there at 9.12am and jump into a taxi to take me to the Polish/Ukrainian border at Medyka. I arrive there and pass through both the Polish and Ukraine border controls in 12 minutes! A few minutes later, I meet the legend that is Igor and we head for Lviv.

After a quick stop for coffee and diesel, we go to Metro cash and carry in Lviv. Igor had been there at 7.00am and the shopping he had sorted just needed paying for. We loaded it into the van and headed for a military rehabilitation hospital which looks after soldiers who have lost limbs in the war. When we arrived, with the help of others, we packed the food into just over 60 bags, one for each soldier currently in care.

Nothing prepared me for this. Each person in this place has lost one, two or even three limbs whilst fighting Russia. An incredibly sad scene but I was humbled by the strong sense of spirit from all these men. Some, with a single prosthetic leg, are eager to return to the front line if they can. These people deserve so much love and respect and I was proud to be in the same room as them. All of them have had their lives changed forever by a maniac in Russia and if you think you have problems, let me introduce you to 62 people who have it far worse and still are defiant, resilient, steadfast and beyond amazing.

The sadness didn't end there. I was also introduced to a beautiful lady who had two lovely children. She learned yesterday that her husband, who is at the front line, has not been heard from or seen for three weeks as is now classed as 'Missing In Action'. A really heartbreaking visit. I had asked Igor to try and arrange a visit to wounded soldiers. I didn't know what to expect but this left me with a lump in my throat.

When we left there, we headed back to Metro in Lviv. Igor and I went shopping and bought 150 packs each of pasta, rice, buckwheat, semolina, sweetcorn, condensed milk, tuna, noodles, ketchup, coffee, cooking oil, salt, soap and biscuits. Paid for it, took it to the car park and, with the help of two people we met earlier, packed it into 150 identical bags for delivery to Chernivitsi tomorrow. Then off to Ivano-Frankivsk for some sleep.

An incredibly tiring day, incredibly emotional and above all, an incredibly rewarding day. I cannot tell you what a privilege it has been to be able to do something to help these people.

Day 2 - a rare breakfast and happy faces.

Another great day which started well and just got better. Had a fabulous sleep in a comfortable bed and even had time for breakfast in a very colourful dining room. Whilst the van was warming up and de-icing, we added the normal aid stickers along with some Rotary Club magnetic signs. The Rotary Club has been an invaluable support to us and these signs are brilliant. We then set off at 8.30 from Ivano-Frankivsk to head to Chernivitsi with the food on board that we packed yesterday.

Arrived in Chernivitsi early with a group of 150 people expecting us for midday. Igor and I were welcomed into their church and, after they prayed for us (very humbling), we went outside to hand out food. All of these people are refugees from the Donetsk region in the East and all have lost their homes. Nevertheless, as with all the Ukrainian people I've met, they may have lost many things but they haven't lost their spirit and their determination. All were very grateful for what we had to give them and, after the traditional photos, we left.

Then, off to Metro in Chernivitsi, where Igor and I shopped for another 150 bags of food and, as we finished, we were joined by five people from earlier who helped us pack. Probably the most organised packing session we've had, with 150 bags comprising 2,100 items packed in 30 minutes!

From Chernivitsi, we then started the long drive to Khmel'nyts'kyj where were staying the night before travelling to our first of two destinations tomorrow. Sadly, the pleasure of breakfast was short lived as we're out at 6.00am.

Day 3 - van issues, happy faces and packing bags in an air raid.

Day 3 was a day of highs and lows but still a very satisfying one. Left our hotel in Khmelʼnytsʼkyy at 6.30am. Soon after leaving, the battery light came on in the van and we hoped it was nothing serious. Turned out that it was. First the ABS light came in, then the traction control and finally, the electric powered steering gave up and, when we stopped at our destination but needed to move a few yards, the van wouldn't start again.

The people we were meant to meet came down the road to us and took all the food we had for them in another van. Someone else offered to take the van and sort it for us. In true Ukrainian style, they rallied together and, whilst Igor and I were giving out food, someone had arrived to sort the van and taken it to a garage nearby. When we had finished, another local took us by car to the garage where the alternator was already out and being repaired. An hour later, at an unbelievably low cost, we were back on the road.

From there, we headed to Vulytsya Mykhaylivs'ka to meet a commander in the Ukrainian army who was receiving some items from us for Vlad, one of the guys we know well who has often helped us pack but has recently been conscripted.

From there, we headed to Kyiv and straight to another Metro. We shopped to get enough for 170 bags of food and, as we had finished, we were joined by some helpers who have been invaluable in the past. One of them is Igor's niece and she bought a friend with her named Yaroslava who was just 17. Two weeks ago, she lost her father in the war. Incredibly sad.

In the normal way, we lined everything up in the car park and, a few minutes in, the air raid sirens started. It didn't deter us but was probably a fine motivator to get finished quickly!

Now in a hotel and off for a kip. Turn the volume up when you play the videos.

Day 4 - a very long day, some feisty Babushkas and I nuked Moscow!

Another early start. Out at 6.30am for a fairly long drive to Pervomais'k in Mykolaiv Oblast. It was snowing steadily as we left but, as we headed further south, that soon cleared . Five hours later, we arrive and meet with Elena who has lived in the town for some time. She kindly arranged for a group of people to be waiting for us. At midday, we moved the van into a central point and, as soon as the doors were opened, they swarmed forward. It's obvious these poor people had been struggling for some time and each was determined to leave with a bag of food. Even though we had more than enough and tried explaining that to them, they were having none of it so I chose the best option and stood taking photos!

10 minutes or so later, everyone had food and Igor and Elena still had all their limbs!

The next bit was a surprise for me. Elena works as a guide at the nearby Strategic Missile Forces Museum of Ukraine and Igor had arranged for her to give me a personal tour. An incredible place and, after the initial exhibits at ground level, I was taken 40 metres below ground to the original control room and the sleeping quarters for the commanders who had the launch capability.

The control room still works in terms of displays and noises and, after being shown to a commanders chair. I'm asked to input the launch codes and, at the same time as Elena, press the launch button! Very impressive and spine tingling too, especially when you see a video screen of 10 missile silos opening and ten missile launches. So, in my dreams, ten SS-22 nuclear missiles were on their way to Moscow!

With the fun over, we said goodbye to Elena and headed back to Kyiv. As darkness fell, the snow starting falling again and we arrived in Kyiv around 7.30pm. Then, off to Metro again for more shopping and to meet a guy who has kindly supplied three generators at cost price because of what we're doing. With the day finished and another 100 bags packed, I was back in the hotel at 10.30pm.

Another incredible day, in an incredible country, with incredible people. Thank you if you helped in any way.

Day 5 - snow, laughs, a tree that came from nowhere and and I sit at a table with a hero of Ukraine.

Another day that started out well, quickly turned to awesome, then to unforgetable. One of my best days here and one I'll remember forever.

Out of the hotel at 6.30am and it's snowing very lightly as we head to Cherkasy. Once we're there, we go to a store where Igor has reserved an EcoFlow power bank for a family who need emergency power but live on the third floor of an apartment block and cannot have a petrol generator.

Once this is paid for, I feel part of a very important task is complete. We had a very generous donation of £1,540 from North Wales and North West England Passport Club, an amazing Rotary club that is based online, with some great members and they have supported me for a good length of time now. The donation, in connection with the Rotary Foundation, was to buy two generators as the price, when we first bought a generator was around £700. Now, with the supply of generators being far better, we had hoped to get three but with the help of Igor and his contacts, we managed to get each generator for £340. The left us well in excess of £500 to spend and this covered the EcoFlow too. The only remaining bit was to get them to the people who need them and once, we had put the Rotary Club stickers on the boxes, we set off.

Next stop was to give out food to the people in a large Soviet style apartment complex. A lovely group of people were waiting for us in the including youngsters. We handed out food, handed over the EcoFlow, took the customary photos and recorded a video message from a lady who wanted to thank everyone who has donated.

Next stop was Dumantsi, around 16 miles away but it took us an hour to get there due the the dreadful roads. We ended up slightly lost too and, when turning round, slid on the icy verge and hit a tree. Due to the damage, we couldn't open the rear doors!

We met with the group waiting for us in snow that was getting heavier. Again, a great group of people who were very grateful for what we bought to them. One family, Eugene, Alina and their childrent, were the first to receive a generator and Alina recorded a short video to say thank you to the Rotary club.

We leave, with still steady snowfall, and drive to Smila, another small village where two older people are desperate for a generator. They often lose power and this will be a lifesaver. Sadly no thank you video as they don't speak much English but they were overwhelmed.

From there, a long drive to see someone special named Oleg. Oleg is a soldier. Not just any old soldier but one who has fought in four wars. When he was just 18, he fought in Afghanistan as part of the Soviet Union, he fought in Moldova and, when the Soviet Union ended and Ukraine became independent, he fought against Russia following the annexation of Crimea and now fights against them since their invasion in 2022. His passion is his military museum that he built up over many years only for it to burn down last year. He's slowly rebuilding it and wanted to show us some of his prized exhibits some of which date back hundreds of years.

He then insisted that we stay for some food and some of his prize winning rum. Red Borscht arrived with bread, garlic cloves, sour cream and pork fat and it was delicious. Next, time for a toast and he filled shot glasses with rum. What was meant to be a flying visit and an early night in Kyiv turned into an endless session of toasts starting with the traditional 'Budmo' and moving on through 'For Friends and the Ukrainian Army' and 'For those who are absent' when you down all of your drink and pour the last few drops on the floor. We heard about Oleg's last injury in December when his vehicle was hit by a rocket and he was discovered in a water filled trench some seven hours later. Badly injured, he is now recovering and may return to the front line. A huge man, in build and personality. Even when Igor wasn't translating, we managed to understand each other and I genuinely haven't met a man like this.

Four hours, and a dozen or so shots of rum later, we leave. In the normal way, they want us to have gifts and we leave food for them to take to the nearby village.

A quite incredible day. Back to the hotel for 10.30 and sleep!

Day 6 - a lie in, more driving, loads of dogs, a happy man, lunch with friends and a sad sight.

Had the luxury of a lie in today and left at 9.00am. A two hour drive to Orane with the normal stop for coffee and breakfast on the way. Met some beautiful dogs and if I could get them all somewhere safe, I would. However, the Ukrainian people seem to be big animal lovers and the dogs we see seem pretty healthy.

First stop in Orane was to deliver the final generator to a lovely gentleman who was so grateful. We know from some other people that they often lose power and this will be invaluable. If's the final one of three provided by the North Wales and North West England Passport Rotary Club in connection with the Rotary foundation. Igor spoke with the gentleman's wife just before we arrived as she was a distance away working and she was so excited and happy to know this was coming.

Interestingly, whilst we were outside the man's house, we get talking to two policeman who are going from door-to-door. They turned out to have the unpleasant task of investigating war crimes. The Russians came to Orane in 2022, looted houses, killed people and, according to these investigators, deported over 1,000 from the surrounding area and moved them to Russia. Imagine, you're taken out of the home you know so well, shoved on a bus and taken to another country to be told that this is your new life. It's hard to believe this happens in a modern civilised world.

Then on to see Sergio and Laurie, two friends of Igor that I have met twice before. Lovely people who always make us very welcome and today was no exception. A superb lunch, all home cooked and all delicious.

From there, back to Kyiv and, as we travel through a town called Dymer, we see the sad sight of another memorial to the fallen men from the town. So many fathers, sons, husbands and brothers lost needlessly.

Then, off to Metro again for the final shop when another 40 bags were packed and loaded on to the van for delivery tomorrow.

It's now wind down time. The money is spent and it's been amazing that we have done so much in what feels like a short time.

Day 7 - another lie in, more happy faces, a traditional market, a sad final task and a Ukrainian animal lover

Day seven - another lie in and we leave at 9.30am. We head to meet Dima, an Army chaplain and take 30 bags of food to him. All of these will go to children in care or at risk. Very sad but even in these dreadful times for Ukraine, there are children who have suffered at the hands of abusive parents. Hopefully, these will be put to good use.

From there, off to drop some packages off to some special families.First, Alina, who lives with two children and a beautiful dog in an apartment in the outskirts of Kyiv city. A lovely lady and we have tried to support her from the time we first came to Kyiv.

Next was Tatiana, her husband Dima and their two children. Like has been particularly tough on them as Dina has acute kidney failure and needs to have dialysis three times a week. A beautiful family who have so much to deal with.

From there, we took a few minutes to explore the nearby traditional market. Full of colours, fragrances and noise. A great experience.

After that, we dropped the van off, swapped to Igor's car and did the bit that I'm proud but sad to do. On the last three visits, we have placed pictures of fallen soldiers in the square in Kyiv. We had one more today. Callum Tindal-Draper. A brave British soldier who gave his life for Ukraine. Igor and I hope that this will give his family some comfort.

Then, I have an afternoon to do what I want. I take a wonder down Kreschtatyk Street. The sea of flags for fallen soldiers is now huge beyond belief. The ironic thing is that there are high class shops such as Gucci just a few yards away and people are more concerned with getting the right selfie than they are with the plight of fallen soldiers. That's life I guess.

From there, I'm on the metro from Kreschtatyk Street to Darnytsia to meet a lady called Irisha who volunteers at an animal shelter and does some quite incredible work. I promised to try and help her in the future.

From there, back to Livoberezhna, a bite to eat with another long standing friend and then back to a hotel.

Day 8 - just a long drive

For my last day in Ukraine, we're up and out at 6.00am. Then it's a 650km drive to the border town of Sheyni. Uneventful but a great time to decompress and reflect on what we have managed to achieve. Around 2.30pm, we arrive there and I have the customary selfie with Igor. Then, walk across the border, gate a taxi and then a train to Krakow and stay the night before my flight home.

Whilst I'm there, I receive a photo from Igor with something quite heart warming. The people that we donated the first generator to had decided that another family nearby needed the generator more than they did and gave it to them. Another example of the Ukranian selfless spirit.

A quite incredible trip with new experiences, new people and new but very sad sights.

Thank you if you have donated. This has been by far the most successful trip to date, with nearly 800 bags of food and three expensive power banks delivered. None of this is possible without the support that I have had and I'm eternally grateful. So are the people we have helped.

The eleventh trip

Our 11th aid trip to Ukraine was another amazing time.

A great but very long first day. Up at 3.45am and left for Birmingham airport at 4.30am for a 7.45am flight to Krakow.

Arrived in Krakow on time, collected hire car and drove for three hours to the Poland/Ukraine border at Medyka. Parked up and walked through both checkpoints and a short time later, met with Igor

We head off to Lviv which is about two hours away and straight to a Metro to start shopping. By this time, it's pouring with rain and it looked like we'd be packing in the rain for the first time! However, kind lady in Metro says we can pack it all inside. Caused a bit of chaos but what a result! 140 bags in the van ready for the next day

From there, off to pick up a generator outside Lviv and then back to a hotel for the night and fantastic sleep. A seventeen hour day but full of laughs and good people.

Day 2 was another sad one

A leisurely start and even time for breakfast in the beautiful city of Lviv. A quite incredible place and the first city that I visited on my initial trip back in April 2022. Stunning architecture and cobbled streets. The architecture you could look at all day but, after 20 minutes of driving on the cobbles, you feel like your teeth are falling out!

First, we delivered our packed food to a hospital for us to distribute later. Then, off to the Metro store again to buy enough food to fill 110 bags for the following day.

Then, back to the hospital which is called 'Unbroken' Quite ironic considering that every military patient here is broken quite badly. All have lost at least one limb and we met one man who had been so badly injured by an exploding mine that he had lost all four limbs. Both legs above the knee, one complete arm and another arm at the elbow joint. And still, he could smile.

We went from room to room, handing out bags. Not the normal items but instead, hygiene wipes, shower gel, pastries, bananas, tea, coffee, sugar and other items. I never fail to be amazed and humbled by their spirit and strength and it was a pleasure and an honour to meet them. I not afraid to admit I cried but there were two quite remarkable moments that will stay in my mind.

The first was when a soldier wanted to give me his badge from his uniform and insisted on a photo but the other broke my heart. We were taken in to a room where a 24 year old soldier lay motionless in bed with his mother sitting next to him. He had been so badly injured that his heart had stopped. It took so long to get him back that he suffered irreversible brain damage. He cannot speak but, according to the doctors, he can hear and understand what is happening around him. I held his hand and spoke to him and, when I got up from the bedside, his mother hugged me as if she wasn't going to let me go.

Emotionally, that was the hardest day I've had here. A brutal reminder of what's happening here on a daily basis.

From there, off to Ternopil and a very welcome sleep.

Day 3 had no heart breaks. Left our hotel at 6.20 and headed off for Lychkivtsi, a very remote village about 90 minutes away. The village often has no electricity so we delivered the generator bought with funds raised by Ann Eastes, Nikki Harrison & the Nutty Knitters in Nantwich. We also left 15 bags of food for people nearby to come and collect.

From there, we drive for nearly four hours to Polonne in the Khmelnytski region to take food to a church. A smart, modern church built just 10 years ago with superb facilities, including a conference room, dormitories for people who have hit hard times, shower rooms and kitchen.

We got a warm welcome here from the priest and the chaplains. We were then introduced to a crowd of ladies belonging to the Union of Wives and Mothers of the Defenders of Ukraine.

After a brief speech and some photos, we gave out some of the bags of food and left the remainder in a store room for other to collect.

After coffee and a group photo, we said our goodbyes and headed off to Kyiv. A long journey with the first part over dreadful roads but with plenty of sights to see including a stork taking flight and by the time we hit Kyiv, it was Friday rush making it a five and a half hour drive. Straight to Metro and more shopping with 130 bags packed by 9.50pm just as it was getting dark. Then, hotel and sleep.

Day 4 - sad sights, happy faces and air raids

Left hotel at 6.30am for the 350km drive to Sumy. A beautiful morning as we leave and we pass an apartment block that was hit by a drone earlier in the month.

Shortly after we enter Sumy oblast (an oblast is a region in Ukraine like we have counties) all GPS stops working and a little further on, we are stopped at a checkpoint and, instead of waving us through, the guard asks someone else to come over. A soldier, with his face covered, wearing full body armour and rather well armed talks to us then asks us to pull to the side and turn our engine off. He takes our passports and the vehicle registration and disappears for a while. When he returns, he asks many questions, wants to know who we are meeting and even asks Igor to call our police guide to confirm this. He then checks what we're carrying. It was clear that something was afoot where we were heading and he said we could go to the next checkpoint at the entrance to Sumy city but we probably wouldn't be allowed in as Sumy was under a full air raid alert and villages nearby were being evacuated.

Our guide in Sumy was Denis, a great guy that we met last year who escorted us through Sumy last year and onto a village named Billopillia. He also made sure we got out safely when the village started to be shelled by artillery.

We called Denis to say we may not be allowed through the next checkpoint and agreed that he would meet us there if necessary and take the good himself. It turned out it wasn't necessary as the guard at the final checkpoint let us through without too much fuss. Maybe I'm imagining it but I'm pretty sure he has a look on his face that said "It's your funeral"!

We meet Denis and, as arranged, he takes us to the civic hall where, on April 13th, whilst children were preparing for a concert on Palm Sunday, two Russian missiles hit a couple of minutes apart, killing 36 people including many children and injuring dozens of others. I had wanted to go and pay my respects and Igor and I placed a beautiful golden brown teddy bear next to other tributes. The sun will make it fade, the rain will soak it but no one will move it.

We talked with Denis about that day and it turned out he is one of the luckiest people around. He was taking decorations from the basement of the civic hall up to the stage and was in the basement when the first missile hit. He managed to get out, started running up the street, then realised he had left his phone inside. He went back in just as the second missile hit in the place where he would have been. He shrugs his shoulders as he tells this story saying it wasn't his day to go.

He then tells us about the thousands of Russian troops gathering on the border just 20km away and says Sumy is expecting a massive attack any time soon. It wasn't my imagination but you could feel tension in the city and Igor felt it too. An air of uncertainty and dread. It was clear from the number of army vehicles moving about the city that something was anticipated. As we had approached Sumy there had also been fresh trenches dug, miles of new razor wire and thousand of concrete blocks known as dragons teeth. Whilst we are there, lorries are arriving with huge concrete blocks ready to barricade roads and bridges.

We had spare time before we had to hand out the food so we stopped for coffee. Denis then showed us photos of Billopillia, the village we visited last year when it was shelled. The village is virtually gone. A quiet place, with leafy lanes, little allotments, water wells and kind people has been destroyed. So sad and so upsetting to see.

After coffee, Denis took us to another part of the city where he showed us further destruction. A factory and nearby residential buildings hit by a missile with so much damage that people had to leave their homes for good. We met three older ladies with trollies taking their bedding off somewhere else having lost their homes. The blast had blown windows out and damaged water pipes so badly that ceilings had collapsed and apartments flooded. Again, so sad and pointless. We gave them food and wished them well.

From there, we headed off to a community centre where people had been gathered to wait for us. We could only meet inside as any large outdoor gatherings may be seen by the ever present and ever watchful Russian drones and quickly become a target.

The people gathered there were mainly mentally or physically disabled and the local police had collected them from their homes and driven them to the centre. We gave out our normal food bags as well as hundreds of bananas and they certainly put some smiles on faces.

Then, the customary group photo and I'm given gifts, one of which was a hand made ceramic dove on a ribbon for my wife. I'm always touched when these good people, who have virtually nothing, find something special to give away.

We say goodbye and start the journey back to Kyiv with air raid sirens sounding and it becomes even more apparent that something big is about to happen. Every other vehicle heading into Sumy is military. Trucks, fuel tankers, pick up trucks, lorries carrying armoured vehicles and a multitude of other stuff and it all felt quite unreal. Then, GPS is blocked again.

We arrive in Kyiv at 7.00pm and head to Metro. After a delay due to air raid warnings, we shop for enough food to fill 160 bags and pack it in the normal way. By the time we're finished it's 10.00pm and time for a much needed sleep.

Day 5 - more air raids and many happy faces

We left Kyiv just after 6.00am, heading for Cherkasy. Already the city seemed on high alert with anti aircraft teams on many of the bridges in the city.

An hour later, we hear that Kyiv has been struck by something at 6.25am. The journey to Cherkasy was uneventful but we saw more anti aircraft teams as we entered the city.

First stop was to drop food off for a lovely family that we have met before. Their children speak great English and they had just finished school for the summer and have an enviable three months holiday.

After the usual photo, we headed to a church in the city centre where we first came in September of 2024. Outside, we met Alina and her family. Back is January, Alina was pregnant and expecting her baby on the day we saw the. Now, he's four months old and beautiful. We stayed for the church service and had the entire event translated by a great guy called Slavic. His instant translation of everything was remarkable.

At the end of the service, I was asked to say something to introduce myself and again, he translated. Whilst talking, I spotted the lovely lady, Lida, who translated for me last time.

With formalities over, we handed out all of our food. 160 bags gone in a morning and some very happy people.

After a brief meeting with the church officials, we headed off for a four hour drive to Dnipro, arriving at the Metro cash and carry for 5.30pm. We were met with two lovely people sent by our good friend Alla who we will see tomorrow. We shopped for enough food for 100 bags and packed it in the car park under a warm evening sun. A happy day!

Day 6 - Synel'nykove, familiar faces, sunshine and my Ukrainian improves!

Had a much needed sleep and the bonus of breakfast before we left our hotel in Dnipro. A fabulous city with many remnants of the Soviet Union and a great feel to it. The sun is shining and it's going to be very hot!

We head to Synel'nykove along the banks of the Dnieper river before the scenery changes to open fields and the usual terrible roads. We arrive at the community centre just as the announcement sounds that the current air raid is over. Perfect timing for us!

Our good friend Alla is there to meet us and, even though we're early, the hall is starting to fill up. We spend a little time with Alla and her husband. I've said before that these are good people and boy, they are. They are dedicated to the local communities both in Synel'nykove and back in Dnipro. Also, she bakes a coffee that's like heaven in a cup. They show us the considerable improvements that they've made to the centre since we've last visited and told us the plans for future improvements. They they insisted on giving us handmade gifts and flags. Really humbling when this happens as these good people have so little but still want to express their gratitude.

At the agreed 11.00am, we return to the full hall and I'm asked to give a short speech while Alla translates and then a new air raid alert sounds. Despite this, we head outside and distribute all of the food and take the normal photos.

An hour later, we say our goodbyes and promise to return next time. Always sad leaving these people in particular as they are all so lovely.

Now a long journey ahead. Around 7 hours and 550km, broken up a couple of hours later by a video interview with BBC Midlands Today. I'm really grateful that they have now featured our Ukraine efforts twice in six days and it will only help with more donations. Both Igor and I chatted with a great lady called Amy Cole and hopefully, Igor is now famous in our area!

We arrive in Kyiv and, straightaway, it's off to Metro for more shopping. Then, just when I think it might be time for a beer and a sleep, we have to go and collect three more generators and they are in the suburbs of Kyiv. With them all loaded for delivery the next day, it's too late for beer but the hotel room is a great sight.

Lastly, my Ukrainian language skills have increased by 400% in the last few days! Until I arrived this time, I could only say 'Thank you'. Now, it's stretched to thank you, hello, goodbye, welcome and good day! Who knows....in another year I might be up to ten words!

Day 7 - Kyiv, Vyleka Dymerka, hot weather, more air raid alerts, generators delivered and fine Ukrainian food.

After a great sleep, out at 9.00 am to go to Epicentre, an amazing store which literally sells everything. Bought bottles of oil for the three generators we had on board from yesterday and, as we left, the air raid sirens started.

Headed off to Vyleka Dymerka, a village we have been to several times before. Delivered three generators and several bags of food and, at one house, they insisted we come in for coffee. I was asked if goats milk was ok in the coffee and I said yes, it's fine. He then opened the fridge and bought out a huge bowl of goats cheese and insisted I try it. Wow, I like goats cheese but this was the best I've ever tasted. Then I went to see the goats! Four very happy ones with the females being milked twice a day. He also asked us to taste his delicious baby cucumbers. Still strange that these good people who have so little always want to share something with you.

We delivered food at a few houses in the village and then went to see Alexander, a man we first met three years ago when he couldn't walk or talk. We've seen him improve over that time and I was delighted to see that he can now talk a little. From there, off to see Igor's mum. He always tells her not to cook or prepare anything but she (luckily) takes no notice and, when we arrived, there was a Ukrainian feast waiting. Meat and potatoes, cabbage rolls, salad, cucumber, pickles, bread and to finish, strawberries and pancakes! All washed down with home made fruit juice. It was a perfect end to a hard week.

From there to the post office to send food to people in other parts of Ukraine. Believe it or not, six parcels weighing 10kg each, cost a total of £15.26. That's less than £2.55 each.

Then, a hotel which has to have the smallest balcony but the biggest view! I have a kip for the rest of the afternoon before taking the Metro out of town to Darnytsia to meet a lady named Irina. She works at an animal charity and I passed on a very generous donation from Paul, a friend of hers in England. She gave me gifts for both Paul and I. Then a goodbye and back to Kyiv for a rainy evening as the heavens had opened.

Day 8 - last food delivery, a wind down and an unforgettable meeting

My last full day in Ukraine was a slower pace. A leisurely breakfast whilst watching the daily hustle and bustle in Khreschatyk Street, the main road through the centre of Kyiv.

Then, we return the hired van and go off to Metro for the last shop to buy food for two families who we always see If I'm in Kyiv. Stayed for a short time with Tanya and her family then her soon took us to see the nearby apartment block that had been damaged by a Shahed drone in May.

Luckily, instead of hitting the building, the drone hit a tree and exploded, shattering windows in all of the surrounding apartments.

From there, we meet Dima, the army chaplain and then back to my hotel.

Later that afternoon, I met a quite incredible lady named Roxanne. We have been friends on Facebook for some time now but hadn't met until yesterday.

Her story is very sad. In December of 2022, she lost her only son, a handsome young man called Sage. He served in the Australian military and, when the war started, he travelled to Ukraine to be a military instructor and then later to join the International Legion.

She told me much about her life, her heartbreak and the comfort that she finds from being in Ukraine. This is her third trip here and she spends time volunteering and teaching Ukrainian soldiers jewellery making and art.

This war has touched so many lives.

Day 9 - a long drive, a hot long wait and finally, a Polish beer.

Left Kyiv at 6.15am for the 8 hour and 650km drive to the border crossing point at Shehyni. Uneventful but some good thing to see on the way. Army convoys, beautiful churches, Soviet aviation monuments, horses and carts and the elegant nesting storks.

Arrived at Shehyni to find a huge queue to get through the Ukrainian checkpoint and an even longer one at the Polish side. Two hours of waiting in a 33 degree sunny day but then I'm through, grab the hire car and set off for another three hour drive to Krakow. Got to hotel and, as luck would have it, there's a pavement bar just 50 yards away. After all the tension and hard work, Krakow always feels like a place of peace and safety.

Then, with a decent meal and more beer, it was time for bed. Great timing too as the heavens opened and Krakow had a quite impressive electrical storm.

This has been a quite incredible trip. Full of happiness, sorrow, love, kindness, new friendships and many more memories.

This time, we delivered nearly 700 bags of food to families and to wounded soldiers. On top of that, four new generators were handed over to people who no longer have to worry about power blackouts. We travelled thousands of kilometres through Ukraine and brought a little bit of happiness from the UK.

The twelfth trip

Day 1 - a long day and a real planes, trains and automobiles journey!

Normal first day. Left home in Stafford at 8.45am. A train to Birmingham and a flight to Krakow, then another train to Przemsyl with a final taxi ride to Medyka on the border with Ukraine. By the time I’m through, it’s 10.00pm Ukraine time and I meet with Igor and we’re in a hotel for midnight.

Day 2 - and what a day that turned into!

Another long but very productive day. Up at 5.15am and on the road at 6.00pm. Travel to Ternopil and meet people at the Metro cash and carry at 8.30am.

By 10.30am, 80 bags are packed and onboard. With time to spare, we grab coffee (I'm sure my veins are full of pure caffeine when I'm here) and head to meet a lady named Tanya who heads up a church and community centre. A lovely lady who spoke great English. She told us that all the people we will meet are refugees from the East and all have lost their homes. Very sad to hear of the plight of some of them.

At midday, as agreed, we go outside and hand out all 80 bags. Met some lovely people and enjoyed the short time there.

At 12.30pm, we're done and on the road for the long drive to Kyiv which turned out to be even longer than expected at over seven hours. Straight to Metro to buy food then pack another 70 bags in the dark. By 9.30pm, we're done and I'm in a hotel by 10.00pm. I meet an old friend Sergei and have a meal, then off to bed.

This is where the day turned interesting! I’m woken by a massive explosion at 3.00am and there's a full on night time attack on the city. Did I do the sensible thing and dash downstairs to the air raid shelter? Errr ...no! Stayed at the hotel window and filmed through the two hour barrage. What a tense time! At one point, my watch warned me that my heartbeat was at an abnormal level! How these poor people live through this night after night is hard to imagine.

I get back to sleep around 6.00am. I wake to the sad news that ten people died overnight. All civilians, all innocent and all victims of something that should never be happening in Europe.

Day 3 - food deliveries and sad sights

A later start but another few hours of sleep was welcome after the early morning barrage on Kyiv. We drove a short distance to Hievakha to meet with Nazar, a Ukrainian engineer who had been in the army at the front line until he was badly injured by a drone. A really nice guy who tells us of his experiences and it's a sad story. Whilst we talk, two Ukrainian Air Force jets come over very low and Nazar tells us where they’re headed just on their direction. He then welcomed us into his home where he had chickens, ducks, dogs and a beautiful and productive garden growing parsley, carrots, beetroot, corn and raspberries as well as an incredible grapevine.

Nazar had arranged for local people to come to meet us. As we were early, we were given coffee which he described as 'military strenght' and it was delicious. Dark, strong and just what we needed after the night before.

At midday, people had gathered and we met them all, giving a bag of food to everyone there and leaving a few more for people to collect later. 80 bags gone in a very short time and some very happy faces. We also left a generator with Nazar for poeple to use to charge phones when there is no electricity.

From there, off to Epicentre, one of the most amazing stores that they have in Ukraine. When they say they sell everything, they pretty much do. After getting what we needed, then off to shopping for food.

The Metro we visited I class as our unlucky Metro! For the last few visits, each time we've gone in, an air raid alert has sounded and we have to leave. No difference this time! As we walk through the entrance, the announcement is sounding to leave and, as we walk back out, the air raid sirens are sounding again. This time, it's short lived and 20 minutes later, we're back in.

With help from Igor's friend Andri, we have enough for 72 bags and pack it all in gorgeous sunshine. From there, we head off to an industrial area which was damaged in the attack overnight. A fruit and vegetable storage and distribution centre and of no military value whatsoever. The damage was extensive but nothing to what came later.

From there, we go to Nova Posta and send packages to people that we will be unable to meet this time. The cost still surprises me. Two bags, weighing a total of nearly 20 kilos are handed over the counter. The team in the depot will box these up and send them to Cherkasy, around 200 kilometres away. The cost for a 48 hour service? £4.69!

From there, a sad end to the day. We visit the area of Kyiv that was hit by the ballistic missile in the early hours of the morning. Nothing prepares you for this, despite what you may see on the news. Hundreds of emergency workers on site with cranes and other equipment, heavily outnumbered by the number of people watching plus so many news crews from Ukraine, the UK and throughout Europe. Sad to see the painstaking search that was going on at the time, with rescue workers being hoisted by crane to the top of what remained of the building to continue looking for trapped people or, even worse, bodies.

Once you're there, it's hard to leave. You want to hear some good news. A person found alive or a precious pet rescued. Sadly, as the hours went on, it seemed like it had turned to recovery, rather than rescue.

At 9.30, we went online for a Zoom meeting with the North West and North Wales Rotary Club who had a special thank you for Igor for all the help he has given me. From there, the hotel and a very welcome sleep.

Day 4 - no explosions, a good deed done, happy faces and an interesting meeting.

After a great sleep, we're up and out at 8.00am. It's very sadly been announced that it is a National Day of Mourning following the missile strike that has killed 23 people including four children and it's also the Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine.

We drive to a hospital on the other side of Kyiv where we go to meet a lady named Olena and her husband Vasily. We were asked to contact her by Ian Gould and his wife Roberta, two lovely people who have been incredibly supportive of our aid efforts so far. They have Ukrainian people living near them in the UK and one of them asked if we can help Olena as her husband as has been injured and is in hospital. Their home is a one hour drive from the hospital and every day, she drives to the hospital with fresh cooked food and washes her husband , gives him food and then goes to work. Life is tough on them and, with the help of Ian and Roberta, we have taken food and funded some additional loose fitting clothing for Vasily. It was a pleasure to meet them, even under sad circumstances and I hope we meet again.

From there, off to another area of Kyiv where Igor has arranged for us to take food to a group of refugees from the Lugansk region. Again, all have lost their homes and are now living in basic accommodation and sharing rooms with strangers.

The lady who heads up the organisation that looks after them is Natalia and it's clear she works hard! When we arrive, we are given the customary coffee and a tour of the basic facilities that they have. There are even two ladies sitting at sewing machines, repairing or altering clothing. As well as this, there's a basic medical room where different health professionals come on different days to help. One day an optician, another day a physiotherapist and another day a heart specialist.

At the agreed time, we're outside and give out the 70 bags of food we packed the previous day. People are pleased to see us and very grateful for the help. We leave, promising to return.

From there, we're off to Metro again where we buy enough food to fill 150 bags which we then pack in the car park in the usual way. A hot day with the temperature reaching 31c.

From there, off to a hotel and an early finish as I had arranged to meet someone who I've followed with great interest on Facebook since the start of the war, a gentleman named Kenneth Gregg. Originally, I thought he was a reporter, visiting the front lines and providing an honest and unbiased account. He's much more than that. A businessman who came to Ukraine seven years ago, a member of the National Guard and a skilled military man too who trains troops. With an inventive mind, he's come up with innovative ideas to help the guys at the front line. And, he's a cat lover!! I could have spent the whole evening and more talking with him. Incredibly interesting and there's plenty that he talked about that I won't post here.

From there, to bed and hoping for a quiet night.

Day 5 - an early start, a long drive, no GPS and more happy faces!

Left Kyiv at 6.00am for a seven hour drive to Dnipro, stopping for coffee as soon as we can.

Around 9.45am, in the Poltava region, Igor's phone shows an air raid alert which covers virtually the entire country and then learn that Kyiv has been attacked again. A few minutes later, the GPS signal disappears leaving our Google maps redundant!

The GPS comes and goes but is mainly not available and we guess it's due to some clever jamming by the Ukrainian forces to confuse Russian drones and missiles.

Just around midday, we arrive at Dnipro city but still no GPS. With so many streets and buildings looking the same, it takes a while to find our meeting point but Igor's great memory gets us there just before 1.00pm.

The place where we meet is an old Soviet Cultural Centre which has had a recent upgrade - a concrete 'safe place' shelter will people to run to quickly if they are outside.

We meet our friend Alla who is a very special person and constantly works for the good of two communities, one here and one we have visited several times in Synel'nykove. She is delighted to see us and we always have a warm welcome . After a quick chat, we give out a lot of food, with the remainder put into another vehicle to go to Synel'nykove.

Then, a group photo and Alla insists we come inside for cake. Boy, did that taste good, accompanied by fresh fruit and all washed down with the original Soviet answer to Coca Cola!

Then, as usual, the sad goodbyes. Only sad because you never know if someone of these people will still be alive the next time we come.

Then, a short drive to Metro in Dnipro where, with the help of two good people, we shop and pack another 150 bags of food for delivery the next day. The hottest day here so far, and packing nearly a ton of food in 32 C certainly gives you a workout!

Then a three and a half hour drive to Kharkiv, again with no GPS and more air raid warnings. But, by 10.00pm, I'm in my hotel room and much needed sleep!

Day 6 - a lie in, many more happy faces, a proud moment, more sad sights and two new friends

Out of a hotel in Kharkiv at 8.30am and, in the daylight, we can see just how bad this city has had it. So many destroyed buildings and so many with boarded up windows. First stop is for fuel and coffee at one of our favourite chain of fuel stations. Damaged recently, the sign outside read "External scars but your favourite gas station inside"!

We then travel to a suburb to take food to one special older lady or Baboushka! The is the grandmother of Nazar that we met in the morning of day 3. She was so grateful and we know it's helped him to learn that she has food.

From there, off to see our friend Konstantin who runs the tyre repair business in Kharkiv. An outstanding guy who always organises everything perfectly and sure enough, there were a load of people waiting for us. A blistering hot day and we give out all of the food. I'm then surprised with a gift from Konstantin that is unique and incredibly beautiful. I'll post a picture later as it's all wrapped up. It was also a very proud moment as he also presents me a Certificate of Appreciation. Crazy to think that we are meant to be the ones giving but this happens so many times. Again, it's something I'll treasure.

We say goodbye to Konstantin and drive South for two hours to Lozova to meet with an old friend from earlier this year, and he introduces us to two volunteers, Mike and Oleksii. Both great guys who give up their time to work 15 hour shifts in a hospital for wounded soldiers, providing coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks which they fund themselves. One thing they needed was clothing for soldiers who had been wounded and had their uniforms cut off to quickly treat them. Many had no other clothes and rely on donations from these volunteers. We had agreed to provide some shorts, jogging pants and T shirts and these were collected and presented.

Oleksii asked me how my wife feels when I'm away. I said she is always worried and only relaxes when she knows I cross back into Poland. He very kindly recorded a message of thanks and support to her. Very touching.

We left there for a long drive back to Kyiv - around seven hours over the worst roads I've experienced in Ukraine. So bad that we took a detour on a dirt road at the edge of a field as it was better!

We travelled past endless fields of sunflowers and, for the first time, fields of watermelons.

Around 11.00pm, we arrive in Kyiv for a very welcome sleep.

Day 7 - a disturbed coffee, more upsetting sights, two cute kittens and a great evening.

A later start as we were staying local to Kyiv. With time to kill, I thought I'd enjoy a quiet coffee on the main Khreshchatyk Street in the centre but the Russians soon put paid to that with another air raid alert!

Then, we're off to Metro to spend the last of the money. We had originally earmarked this for a hospital in Lviv where there are many wounded soldiers and we wanted to take the normal comfort bags. We are then told that the hospital is unable to accept any food items for fear of the soldiers being poisoned! I then suggest that we just bring hygienic wipes, shower gel, soap, razors etc and are then told that these also cannot be accepted . A strange policy but this meant we had enough to buy anther 70 bags of food to take to a place that we visited last week as they still have so many people who need help.

On the way, we see more ruined buildings but the devastation is nothing to what I see later. With 70 bags packed and on board, we head off to the refugee hub and give these out. I grab a swift cuddle with a cute black cat and a lady, seeing I'm a cat fan goes inside to return with two gorgeous kittens. Again, more cuddles then we say goodbye.

We drop one more bag of food off with a lady who Igor knows need some help and from there, he takes me to the site of a missile attack in June. The devastation here is hard to comprehend and even more significant is the fact that some friend of Igor lived here in the past. The apartment they were in was totally destroyed and the owner killed. The usual sad cuddly toys were they and it was an incredibly upsetting scene.

From there, off to send a final parcel to Cherkasy via Nova Posta. I never fail to be amazed by just how efficient and cheap this service is. 25 kilos of food in two bags is deposited on a counter. They then take it away, box it and it's on the way. The cost? Just £4.32!

We then deliver four more bags of food to some friends we met every time, Tanya, Dima and Alina. Great to see them but sad to see how they live their life now in constant fear of missile and drone attacks.

Then, back to a hotel for a quick change as I was off to meet an amazing man, Bohdan Nahaylo, the editor of the Kyiv Post. We first met in May and stayed in touch. After a beer, he invites me to dinner at a Georgian restaurant and another of his colleagues Stash, joined us. I haven't tasted Georgian food before and it was just delicious. An educational and interesting evening and one of the best I have had in this country.

From there, off on the underground to Livoberezhna to say goodbye to another friend, Sergei. In the bar where he works, there is a group of foreign soldiers. We get talking and I mention that all of our trips are in memory and honour of Jordan Gatley. All of them know his name and they raised a glass to him. Very touching and always good for his family to know that he isn't forgotten.

From there, back to the hotel before curfew and bed.

Day 8 - goodbye to Kyiv, a long drive and another disturbed night!

We left Kyiv at midday for a long drive to Lviv. After coffee, fuel stops and a collection from Nova Posta, this takes us over seven hours. The upside is there's always something to see.

We check into a hotel that I've used before. It's great value and very comfortable and they have a restaurant! After a beer and some food, it's bedtime as the tiredness has hit me.

The sleep is short lived. At 2.00am, explosions and a loud warning in my hotel room orders me to get my documents and head to the basement. Naturally, I do the opposite and film from the bedroom window. At one point, I can hear a drone so close that I think it's overhead! The air smells of smoke and explosives and it's still going on at 6.00am. Needless to say, I didn't get back to sleep!

Day 9 - goodbye to Ukraine for now, a swift border crossing and the peace of Krakow.

Up and out from our hotel in Lviv with air raid sirens already sounding and off to the border at Shehnyi. Straight through the Ukraine control point and only 30 minutes to get through the Polish side. From Medyka, I take a taxi to Przemyśl where I get on a train for Krakow.

Two and a half hours later, I'm in this beautiful city. Peaceful, full of happy people and beautiful scenery. Hard to believe that just 150 miles away, people are dying needlessly at the hands of a maniac.

After checking into a hotel, I'm out for a beer and a meal, knowing it won't be disturbed by air raid sirens, drones or missiles.

A superb evening but I'm too tired to make the most of it and I'm asleep by 9.00pm.

The next day, time to relax, enjoy the sunshine and a pretty luxurious breakfast before flying home in the afternoon. Then, straight back to work and then fundraising the next day.

Thank you if you helped in any way towards this. The scariest, saddest but most rewarding trip so far. I'm very privileged to have this opportunity but can only do it with the help of so many others. Over 700 bags of food delivered as well as another generator and clothes for soldiers.

In the twelve trips, here’s some interesting statistics:

We’ve travelled 47,571 miles (21,836 miles flying, 23,023 driving and 2,712 miles by train)

We’ve purchased around £133,000 of food

We’ve packed and delivered over 6,850 bags of food plus twelve generators and 4 EcoFlow power banks.

We’ve bought and delivered around 41 tonnes of food

I'm very proud of this and couldn’t do it without your donations.

Now I'm fund raising for my thirteenth trip on the 21st of January 2026 and aim to reach £150,000, giving us £12,000 to spend.