Whilst current events in the Middle East occupy much of our attention, it's important to remember Putin's war in Ukraine continues relentlessly through its fifth year. As well as general distress at the sheer scale of the attrocities there, the war has particular meaning for me having made several trips to Kyiv for work.

Ukrainian Action is a 100% volunteer run (no salaries or overheads) US non-profit and UK charity dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine. It regularly drives and donates vehicles filled with humanitarian and medical supplies to the country. Donated vehicles are then used for evacuations in front-line communities. UA Team Devon, based in Stoke Gabriel, is a particularly strong and active supporter of the charity, running its 15th convoy in May and its 16th in July 2026. I help to prepare the vehicles for delivery and unless, hopefully, the war ends first, plan to drive one to the Ukrainin border in a future convoy.

On 7th June, I'll be competing in my third triathlon taking place at and out of Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth and am seeking sponsorship for Ukrainian Action. £2,000 would enable UA Team Devon to purchase another old pick-up truck or similar to deliver to the front-line. Please support me by donating here and help the charity help those in need in Ukraine.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Those still earning (and paying taxes) may be able to use Gift Aid to increase your donation value by 25%. There is one downside of the app which is that JustGiving suggests giving them a percentage 'tip'. Feel free to edit that amount and enter a custom figure of £0.00.

Also, JustGiving doesn't really support per-unit sponsorship but if you want to tie your donation to my finish time, please 1) make a small basic pledge now 2) describe any additional, incremental sponsorship you'd like to make (eg additional payment for each minute below a certain time) and 3) agree to pass on your email address so I can contact you after the event - you could then make an additional payment at that point. But no requirements to do that!

You may also like to know that the triathlon consists of a 1500m swim, 35km bike and 10km run. My finish times for my first and second triathlon were 3 hours 50 minutes 33 seconds and then (with a better bike) 3 hours 29 minutes 52 seconds. However, this year's cycle leg will be slightly shorter (down 5km due to the new course through Stoke Fleming Village rather than along the Slapton Line) so that could save maybe 15 minutes off my previous times (not that this is being seen in my practice sessions currently!).