A WORCESTER businessman is funding and driving an ambulance full of vital medical aid to the Ukraine border before Christmas.
Steve Evans, of Worcester-based family business Stop Start Transport, has been moved by the harrowing stories arising from the conflict in Ukraine and looking for opportunities to make a difference by getting aid to frontline communities.
When he found out about the West Midlands branch of Medical Aid Ukraine, and partner not-for-profit Ambulance Aid, he put a plan in place to support their mission. Stop Start Transport is fully funding the ambulance and all associated expenses for the trip.
Steve said: “The news coming out of Ukraine has affected us all in different ways. When I saw what Medical Aid Ukraine and Ambulance Aid are doing to help the people of Ukraine, it jumped out at me as the perfect opportunity to get involved.
“As a local logistics company, we have a long-standing history of supporting Worcestershire community causes, but I want to do my bit further afield as well to support communities who are desperately in need.”
Alongside co-worker and friend Chris Pullen, Steve will drive the ambulance to the Ukraine-Poland border.
Medical Aid Ukraine coordinates handover of vehicles and donations with charities and volunteer organisations in Ukraine, with guidance and oversight by the Ministry of Health in Ukraine. They ensure the aid reaches the places which are most in need.
Coventry-based GP Dr Tania Hébert, who represents Medical Aid Ukraine and was born in Ukraine, said: “We are absolutely thrilled by the generosity and bravery that Steve and Chris have shown in organising this donation and trip. While many of us are throwing ourselves into Christmas festivities, the people of Ukraine continue to live through the hell of daily conflict and destruction.
“We are truly grateful to Steve for his commitment to our cause, to ensure that vital medical aid reaches the Ukraine communities that are suffering the devastating consequences of the conflict.”
Ambulance Aid and its partner Medical Aid Ukraine (MAU) have fundraised and organised this donation.
This will be the eleventh ambulance that Ambulance Aid, a not-for-profit organisation, has sent to Ukraine.
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ambulance-aid-ukraine or Medical Aid Ukraine’s donation wish list at www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/2Z56IJK5ZKAF2 for more.
