As a hockey goalkeeper, Jon Dann is used to restrictions on how far he can travel away from his base.
However, the former solider is currently going considerable distances off the pitch, in a bid to help refugees in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of the country began on February 25, more than 10 million civilians have fled their homes, according to the UN.
Around two million of those have headed into Poland, via the small town of Medyka which sits on the border. And it was there where the Southgate men’s 5s keeper travelled to himself help out.
According to the The Hockey Paper, he was loaned a van by an Essex vehicle hire company before driving the 18-hour, 1,145-mile route to Medyka. There, he joined others in helping deliver supplies to those desperately trying to flee.
“As an ex military man I can’t bear to see what’s happening in Ukraine,” he said. “The scene there is chaotic, no major aid agencies and it’s all volunteers or ex soldiers doing the best we can."
“A group of ex military unloaded the van and within an hour we loaded up our backpacks and trollies for four trips into Ukraine to drop off the most essential supplies to our contact there." John and co worked through the night, also ensuring that people were kept warm as they waited to cross into Poland.
And they took turns to sleep while heading back out to help families back across the border. “As the evening came the nature of our work changed. We spilt up into groups of two to give blankets, torches, candles to those still waiting to get through on the Ukrainian side," he continued.
“I can’t stress enough how desperate the situation and that there are many unsung hero volunteers staying out there risking their lives to save people.” Far from deterred by the experience though, he now plans to head back out again.
He is seeking funding to again make the arduous drive, and anyone interested can contact Alastair at Southgate HC. The club is located in north London, and play their home games at Trent Park.
The topic of sporting figures helping out since Vladimir Putin declared war on his neighbouring country has been a prevalent one. Most notably, the legendary boxing brothers, the Klitschko's, have taken arms to help defend Ukraine.
Fellow boxers Vasyl Lomachenko and Oleksandr Usyk have also joined the military, as has former Arsenal defender Oleh Luzhnyi. The manager of Moldovan champions Sheriff Tiraspol, Yuriy Vernydub, joined the front line of fighting just months after leading his team to an historic win over Real Madrid.
Next Tuesday, Wales will play an international challenge match at Cardiff City Stadium against one of Czech Republic, Sweden or Scotland. All funds raised will go towards helping the people of Ukraine.
