My name is Stewart and like everyone else, I am appalled, angry, upset and absolutely heartbroken about the disgraceful and sickening scenes of brutal war crimes unravelling in front of our very eyes in Ukraine following the unprovoked and unjust Russian attack.

Overwhelmed with emotions and determined to help I decided to visit the Ukrainian Club in Edinburgh last week to offer my assistance in any way they might require. I was met by wonderful lady called Hanna. Hanna explained to me the current struggles and needs of refugees as well as people left behind fighting for their country. This conversation was incredibly hard and emotional, we both stood there trying to keep our composure, holding back the tears – if ever there was a time to be thankful for wearing a mask, that was it.

I left all of my contact details and pledged my help and assistance with re-settlement and visa sponsorship of any refugees who might arrive in Edinburgh. When I got home, I donated money to the Ukrainian Emergency Appeal and posted their details on Facebook, to create further awareness about the plight of the Ukrainian people….but somehow I felt I needed to do more. I could not sleep that night thinking of all the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people and when I got up the next morning, my mind was completely consumed with what more could I do.

As you may know, Poland is currently the main place of refuge for the thousands flooding out of Ukraine. The estimated number of Ukrainians that have crossed the border into Poland to this date is around 600,000. The Polish people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, however the resources are scarce and they cannot do it on their own.

My wife – Agnieszka is Polish and is well connected through friends and family back home, which is an incredible advantage when it comes to organising help with the ground support required.

Agnieszka has links and affiliation with the Marshal’s Office of Lubuskie Voivodeship who she cooperated with in the past. Lubuskie region was a home to over 30 thousand Ukrainian migrant workers before the war. All these people are now trying to frantically bring their families to safety. The government agencies of Lubuskie Voivodeship are incredibly efficient in managing resources locally as well as sending the most needed items to Ukraine through partnerships with Ukraine bordering regions.

Agnieszka has also links to charities providing legal assistance to refugees looking for temporary settlement in Poland and other European Countries as well as medical charities looking after individuals and families requiring physical and psychological help.

I am driving a van ( courtesy of my friend Allan O’Neill of Invision) to Poland on Monday 7th March to establish and develop the critical lines of support required in partnership with the Marshal’s Office of Lubuskie Voivodeship. I have managed to purchase 600 adult and children’s sleeping bags and mats. Friends and family have also organised other essential items such as power banks, batteries, light torches, cooksets, nappies etc. The plan is to deliver these on Wednesday/Thursday of next week.

This is the first trip, however, I can assure you, it will not be the last.

I have set up this Just Giving page for anyone who would like to donate to this cause. With your money we will purchase more items needed the most by Ukrainian refugees and Ukrainians stuck in the warzone.

We will provide regular updates regarding my activities so everyone can see how their donations are being used.

Any donations, no matter how small will be incredibly helpful and very much appreciated.

Thank you

Best Regards,

Stewart & Agnieszka Ford