In May this year, a convoy carrying nearly 100 tonnes of aid is leaving the Port of Hull bound for south east Romania; the journey will take ten days and cover 3,000 miles. I am driving one of the trucks and am looking to raise £1,000 towards the cost of the ferry, diesel and tolls etc. Any amount you are able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. Thank you - Matt.

The founder of The Yorkshire Aid Convoy, Mark Murphy, has been involved with, and visiting Romania for over 20 years. He has witnessed first-hand the abject poverty that people were living in through many visits to towns, villages, orphanages, hospitals and refugee camps. Determined to make some small difference to people’s lives, The Yorkshire Aid Convoy was founded in 2002 with the objective of collecting, transporting and distributing humanitarian aid to exactly where it is needed throughout Romania and The Ukraine. The work of The Yorkshire Aid Convoy is constant. Collecting much-needed basic essentials from kind donors and corporate sponsors who offer everything ranging from bicycles to soap powder throughout the year, packing the lorries for an annual distribution mission, plus the actual driving of some 4,000 km to deliver the goods. All this work is done by unpaid volunteers from all walks of life who take time out of their busy lives to help others.

The Yorkshire Aid convoy liaises closely with local organisations and charities on the ground in Romania and The Ukraine to ensure it delivers the type of support and donations most appropriate, as well as identifying institutions such as children’s hospitals or schools that are most in need of help and resources. In Romania, Caritas assist with the distribution of aid, and in The Ukraine links with Caritas and the Rotarians guarantee that donations reach their destination safely. This level of local knowledge and on-going visits means the Yorkshire Aid Convoy delivers what is needed, to where it is needed. Many organisations in Romania and The Ukraine have come to rely solely on The Yorkshire Aid Convoy to make sure they can continue to provide basic healthcare and education services to their communities.