A big-hearted bus driver’s late shift turned into a mission to help Ukraine after he turned on the TV and was moved by footage of fathers waving goodbye to their children.
Carl Dutton, 40, of Liverpool, said that as a father-of-two with another baby imminent, the emotional images of families separated by war and someone’s son “putting his hand on the window” to say goodbye left Carl, based at Arriva's Runcorn depot, feeling no option but to try to help.
Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has resulted in the mass flight of refugees seeking safety while many stayed behind to battle Putin’s army.
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Carl rallied support among colleagues, ultimately climbing Ben Nevis with fellow driver Brian Jacks - the duo enduring a cold snap in early April that saw the mercury on the Scottish mountain’s higher slopes plummet to -6°C and gusts of 65mph batter the heights.
Their determined ascent raised £1,000, which they used to bulk buy essential supplies from Runcorn Asda.
Carl and colleague Karen Evans, who had helped to collect the sponsorship cash from the Arriva team, then drove a 3.5-tonne van loaded with the goods to the Hope and Aid Direct charity depot in Essex, stopping off in Congleton to fill up any spare space with more medical supplies and toiletries.
Setting off at 8am in the morning on Sunday, April 24, and returning at 9pm that night, the 13-hour round trip delivered about 2,000 items in all.
Initially Carl had wanted to deliver to the Ukrainian border but was advised the Hope and Aid Direct needed deliveries within England more.
Describing the scene when he decided to act at the sight of someone’s son leaving on a train while his dad stayed behind to fight, he said: “He was on the train and put his hand on the window.
“The kids are the same age as mine.
“It really got to me.
“Everyone’s got to take part and help if they can.”
The efforts of the Arriva depot, in Beechwood, Runcorn, attracted the praise of the area's MP Mike Amesbury, Weaver Vale, for their “magnificent effort” and “kindness”.
