Two men from North Yorkshire are on a mission to deliver crucial aid to war-torn Ukraine.
Mark Farrow, a computer expert from Scorton, and Stephen White, an administrator from Richmond, are raising money for what they call “the drive of their lives”.
Their goal is to transport heavy-duty vehicles 1,300 miles across seven countries in just three days, delivering them to Lviv, Ukraine.
“It’s been so frustrating watching the events in Ukraine unfold and feeling powerless to help,” said Mark.
"As soon as I heard about Driving Ukraine I knew it was something I could help with and hopefully our small effort might make a meaningful difference to some of our Ukraine friends.”
Despite Ukraine fading from the headlines, the crisis remains dire.
“I’d like to think that if it was our country in trouble that others would come and help,” said Mark.
Mark and Stephen need to raise £5,000 for the vehicle and are already halfway to their goal. Any extra funds will support the next batch of vehicles for Driving Ukraine, which has already sent 110 vehicles.
Driving Ukraine volunteers modify pickup trucks, 4 x 4s and ambulances to send out to Ukraine for the vehicles to then be used by medical responders, bomb disposers, hospitals and for humanitarian aid, getting people out of danger and into safety.
The duo will drive in a small convoy of Driving Ukraine vehicles to the war-torn country before finding their own way back.
“We all hope to live our lives freely, and we don’t often realise how lucky we are,” said Stephen. “Driving Ukraine gives me a small opportunity to help those who really need it.”
“It’s not absolutely straightforward but the charity has great experience dealing with all sorts of problems,” added Mark.
Luckily, Mark is used to driving big vehicles from his farm days, and Stephen, has a HGV licence, so they are more than prepared for the long journey.
“There’ll be 12-hour stretches of motorway driving which will be a challenge, as well as possibly difficult border guards,” said Mark.
“But maybe the worst bit will be spending three days locked in a cab with Stephen’s socks…”
To support Mark and Stephen, visit https://gogetfunding.com/stephen-mark-ukraine/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here