We’re not powerless - ordinary people CAN make an extraordinary difference.

In April I bought a 4-Wheel Drive and a ferry ticket, filled it with equipment, medical and other humanitarian aid and drove it to Ukraine.  There I saw the difference that even we ordinary people can make.

Like most people I’ve felt quite powerless. Useless to do anything useful. But I also knew that many there are losing limbs, suffering life-changing injuries. And dying.

Arriving on 24th April I sheltered from a drone raid - none killed that night.  I visited a cemetery – in a comparatively 'un-bombed' town in Ukraine - that’s overflowing with the graves of over 1500 people, killed defending their homes. 

I shed tears with a woman at her son’s grave. I saw weeping, grieving sisters, widows, parents of those killed.  And wondered at the idiocy of those who commit this crime against people like you and me.

And I was moved by the roadside pedestrians - young and old - who cheered and waved when they saw UK number plates.  I felt child-like and special. They were cheering me.  ME! 

But prior to my trip, I had doubts that my donations may be 'lost' to the Ukraine black-market equivalent of the Private Walkers (Dad's Army) of this world. So I funded this delivery journey myself. 

And before going, I connected with Pick-ups-For-Peace who’ve facilitated 28 previous vehicle convoys of aid. P4P began 3 years ago and enables people like us to channel goodwill to where it's needed most. NO paid staff! All volunteers. So all donations are used by those whose need is most urgent.

Thus I feel that I can now legitimately ask others who feel as I do to also donate.  I’ve committed to two further journeys this year. And then two more. But I will need your serious help. Please?

And as I’ve discovered, I'm just one of an enormous number of people around the UK doing this. Many thousands of people. As of May 26, there have been 1560 P4P drivers alone, with 883 vehicles delivered. And scores of other groups countrywide – many thousands of individuals who've donated uncounted £££.

Right now, absolute priorities are Electric Generators (up to £1600), Powerbanks (from £35 to £1200) and of course, 4-wheel drive vehicles. A pair of off-road tyres can cost £400.

So, please, please, please be as generous as you can now. More donations are urgently needed to fill my vehicle to the brim for the July trip. Because every ounce of our help is so highly valued by the Ukrainians. Every ounce helps to save a life and does more good than you can imagine.

Please email or phone me if you feel able and want to know more. And use this site to donate.

I would be incredibly grateful for all help you can give.

ahsimpo@gmail.com 07810880858