Newcastle twins are taking part in a 100-mile cycle ride along Hadrian's Wall cycling path in aid of Ukrainian refugees.
Polish sisters Kasia and Emilia Mickiewicz are both lecturers at Newcastle University - Kasia in Microbiology and Emilia at the Law School - and many of their friends have joined Grupa Transganiczna, a Polish volunteer group transporting supplies and refugees in Ukraine. They are using all their spare time to train for the considerable charitable and physical challenge.
All money raised through the JustGiving page will go to the group, with the pair hoping to provide significant financial support as well as emergency provisions to a cause that has rocked the globe. For Kasia and Emilia, the conflict hits very close to home.
Grupa Transgraniczna (or Cross Border Group) originates in the twins' home town, Olsztyn in Poland, and is made up of more than 200 volunteer drivers, who deliver vital supplies and bring refugees to safety from the most remote areas of Ukraine. While Kasia and Emilia understood Poland's position at the forefront of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, it was only during a more recent visit to their hometown that they realised the extent to which the Polish people were involved in the relief efforts.
Emilia said: "I was aware that Poland was on the frontlines of the refugee crisis, offering shelter to more than 3 million people who suddenly had to flee the war; but it was not until I went back home for Easter Break that I realised the extent to which ordinary citizens, my friends and neighbours got involved in humanitarian efforts. In fact, many spend all of their free time organising collections, arranging temporary homes and employment opportunities for the Ukrainian people."
But the involvement of friends, neighbours and even relative strangers didn't stop here. As they each became part of the Grupa Transgraniczna initiative, Kasia describes how their journey began to reach the frontlines, saying: "Many of the drivers are our friends, and the efforts they've put into this from the beginning of the war is incredible. They drive in their own cars and in their spare time, going as far as Donbas, Kharkov or, this week, Krematorsk.
"Poland has been on the forefront of the Ukraine crisis, now accepting more than 3 million refugees, and the group has played a significant part in the process, delivering more than 200 tons of supplies, and bringing over 6,000 refugees back to Poland."
Even outside of Olsztyn, the twins have noted how vast the Polish support network for Ukrainian refugees has grown, where civilian-led initiatives have been central to the relief effort since the start of the invasion.
Emilia continued: "When the war in Ukraine broke out, volunteer groups emerged in almost every town and city. People understood that a collective effort is now necessary.
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"The Cross Border Group became well known in Poland, because of how effective they were, but almost every citizen wanted to help in one way or another. Schools and larger buildings became hubs for collections and humanitarian efforts."
As Kasia and Emilia watched their hometown come together in aid of Ukraine, they immediately searched for a way to offer their own support, coming up with the "Twins for Ukraine" initiative. As they cycle 100 miles from coast to coast along the Hadrian's Cycle Path (from Bowness-on-Solway to North Shields ), the money raised will be spent on fuel, food, water purification tablets and other supplies.
Having already beaten their original £1,000 target, the sisters are looking to supply much-needed life-saving electrical equipment including a power generator and defibrillator.
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Training for the ride is well underway, and the twins will share their preparations for the big day via their Facebook page . During their ride, the sisters will use social media to post video and photos, and to connect live with Grupa Transgraniczna while they are delivering aid, so their followers can see how and where the funs are being used.
Kasia finished: "Ukraine fights alone for our common values of freedom and democracy, against an unprovoked and merciless invasion from a much stronger aggressor than themselves. While the army fights bravely, civilian women, children and elderly, as well as animals, need our support."
"We cannot drive all the way to Ukraine, but we can support our friends’ effort through fundraising. We will cycle across England to raise money and awareness of the Cross Border group in the UK.
"We are very grateful to everyone who donated to our cause already. We are aware that times are tough, so it is incredible to see people being so generous. The needs far exceed our modest target and every pound really counts!"
When asked what people in the UK can do to help besides donating to the fundraising effort, Emilia said: "All donations are very much appreciated, but there are many items which are repeatedly mentioned, yet simply no longer available to buy in Poland or Ukraine. These include tourniquets, specialist wound dressings (e.g. celox) or portable defibrillators.
"I also have a list of prescription medication directly from the hospital in Lysychansk, if there is anyone out there who could help with such provisions. My heart sunk when one of the drivers told me that UK vehicles would be great to have, as the steering wheel is on the opposite side and the snipers aim at the drivers seat making UK vehicles feel much safer.
"Many of the Cross Border Group drivers use their own passenger cars and could take more supplies in a larger vehicle, so if anyone is perhaps replacing their old vehicle for an electric one, as I know many companies would, they could perhaps sell their old van for less or donate it."
Within 24 hours of announcing their fundraising plans, the sisters have more than doubled their £1,000 target, and people can still donate via their Twins for Ukraine JustGiving page until the end of June. You can watch a short video about Grupa Transgraniczna: https://grupatransgraniczna.pl/ .
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