A CREDITON businessman who was one of four people who recently drove humanitarian aid to the Ukraine/Polish border has spoken about the venture.
Adam Cocking, Managing Director of Crediton Denture Clinic, explained: “So we made it back in one piece!
“What an amazing and emotional journey it was! Over 3,000 miles, seven very full days and a few very sketchy moments along the way!
“The journey went from Crediton to Dunkirk, Dunkirk to Dresden, Dresden to Przemyśl, Przemyśl to Zakopane, Zakopane to Leipzig, Leipzig to Calais and Calais back to Crediton.
“We visited France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and The Czech Republic (yes, there was a little country hopping detour on the way home!).”
Adam went with three drivers who work for Vodafone in Newbury.
He and his colleagues raised funds before they went and also took to Ukraine specific items which had been requested.
Adam continued: “We ended up raising more than £32,000, which was an incredible amount of kindness.
“The vast amount of the money was spent on Combat Tourniquets and Haemostatic Bandages, which is what the Ukrainian Foreign Legion had specifically requested.
“The breakdown of donations was basically £5,000 from Exeter Round Table, £11,000 from very generous people and that was fund matched by Vodafone UK at £16,000.
“The trip could not have happened without the incredible loan of the two Luton Vans from George Rose at Rose Removals in Lapford. What an amazing gesture, Thank you George!
“The donated clothing, sanitary and dental items were dropped off at a Ukrainian distribution centre, where they made daily trips directly into Lviv.
“We had also made up specific children’s packages for girls and boys of different ages, with letters from UK children of similar ages. These were dropped at the Women and Children’s Refuge in Przemyśl.”
Adam added: “Thanks to everyone involved for their wonderful generosity in time and donations.”