Northumberland firefighters have delivered a potentially lifesaving gift to brave emergency service workers in Ukraine.
Four members of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) undertook an arduous journey through Europe to reach the border of the war-torn country, driving two fire engines to help their Ukrainian colleagues.
As the Russian invasion continues, the North East has rallied round to support Ukraine, sending tonnes of humanitarian aid to help both refugees and those trapped inside the country. And after offering fire stations across the county as collection points for donations, NFRS staff decided to offer a significant donation of their own.
Read more: Newcastle man's harrowing journey across the Ukraine border
The team were part of the larger convoy of 22 vehicles carrying over 5,000 items of lifesaving kit to support firefighters in Ukraine. They left Kent early on Saturday morning and drove through France, Belgium and the Netherlands before arriving in Germany for an evening's rest.
After a drive through Germany they crossed into Poland, where they were hosted by the Polish Fire Service. On Monday, they embarked on the final leg of their 1,400-mile journey, heading towards the Ukrainian border.
They handed over the vehicles in Poland and they were then driven into Ukraine where they will help support struggling emergency services in the embattled country. The vehicles, two older models which have recently been replaced in Northumberland, were sent along with firefighting kit including tunics, leggings, boots and wellies, while an Incident Response Unit is set to be sent next week.
Northumberland counci l leader Glen Sanderson, said: “Northumberland has shown it is a county that is standing with Ukraine during this heartbreaking time. We have come together to collect and provide much-needed items for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, and now we have joined with others across the country to provide essential firefighting and lifesaving kit for those on the front line.
“I cannot thank those firefighters from Northumberland Fire and Rescue who have travelled across countries to get this equipment to where it needs to be enough, and that thanks also extends to our residents and businesses who have come together to do all they can in this time of crisis. Thank you.”
NFRS Area Manager Rob Clow said: “The commitment of the four members of our staff to drive so far to help our Ukranian colleagues is absolutely magnificent. To be part of such a project is something they should be very proud of and something they will be able to reflect back on for many years to come. The true testimony to the service is that over 30 members of staff volunteered to drive the appliances.”
