Run 08 – 25th August – 6th September 2022

We crossed the border at Medyka early Sunday morning and spent seven hours doing so and then a quick stop in Lviv to see a friend we then set off on the 400 odd mile drive through to our delivery point just outside Irpin near Kyiv.

I’m sure you’ll remember at the beginning of the main invasion Irpin Bucha and other areas around Kyiv were pretty much destroyed as the invaders tried to surround and take Kyiv.

We arrived late and just before curfew where we met Andy Den and his partner who accommodated us during our stay. Monday morning saw us unloading and sorting before we assisted Andy in his work distributing aid to both the Ukrainian military and civilians alike. This we continued to do for the whole time of our stay maybe catching four or five hours sleep each night. We were also honoured to be accepted by the Ukrainian military and were able to assist a nearby unit. At one point we we’re able to assist with vehicle repairs and were stunned with the generous nature of local people an example of this was we took a wheel from a van to have a puncture repaired. Not only was it done immediately but when I asked how much I had a smile and there was no charge.

Unloading at the mid point in Ukraine:

A little calm for us delivering to an animal sanctuary near Bucha had us sweating on time to get back before curfew.

The boys getting to meet some of the aid recipients!:

Then on Friday one last job a delivery in Lviv for Andy before we ran down to Uzhhorod where we spent our last night before crossing into Slovakia for the long drive back.

We have not only affirmed friendships but also have gained not only valuable contacts but also made new friends on this run. All in all a successful run and as always planning for the next run is well underway. Winter is coming to Ukraine and people are going to need our help more than ever.