A Scouser cancelled his week off plans to 'watch Netflix and eat Pringles' and instead travelled to the Ukrainian border to help refugees fleeing the war.
Paul Stratton had booked a week off work and was planning some down time, but after seeing the scenes of desperation of those fleeing from Russia's invasion, he changed his plans dramatically.
Paul, who works for Liverpool Council, made the 1300 mile trip to Przemyśl, in Poland, to help those arriving from Ukraine with nothing.
READ MORE: A cousin fighting on Kyiv's frontline, a grandmother hiding underground, a family torn apart by war
A former police officer, who now works as a fraud investigator at the Cunard Building, is volunteering in Poland with his brother.
The pair are staying until Sunday and doing whatever they can to help, assisted by a Polish phrasebook and a network of former police and army colleagues.
They recently met the Mayor of Przemyśl and asked what they could do and were told to buy chocolate for the children as its 'the only thing that makes them smile.'
So the brothers emptied out the local supermarket, buying £160 of chocolate bars, which went in two minutes.
Paul said: "People are desperate to get something for their kids. And the children were so polite, saying thank you. It’s not dawned on them what’s happened.”
While many people are helping, more support is needed for the volume of people arriving from Ukraine.
The reception centre in Przemyśl – which has been hastily set up in a nearby shopping centre – can only process 4,000 people a day.
Paul said: "We’ve given them four more laptops, doubling what they had to start with. And we’re desperately trying to get them faster broadband.
"Local boy scouts, who are brilliant on the computers, are helping to register people, though it’s difficult as they don’t speak Ukrainian.”
He added: "There aren’t enough staff here. There’s no Red Cross or local government. The Polish people are wonderful, beyond heroes – they’re setting an example to the world of what it is to show humanity. The city streets are empty, as everyone is volunteering. But we desperately need more drivers, translators – and money.”
The city’s railway station is packed with children, sitting on the floor, waiting. It’s too cold to go outside and play, as temperatures plummet to minus 2.
Paul added: “I started out with sympathy, but it’s now turned into anger. I want to bring them all home to keep them safe.”
Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, Tony Reeves, said: “I think it’s incredible what Paul has done to help in this situation, he really is to be commended for his selflessness, kindness and compassion. It is a wonderful example of public service and we should all be very proud of him.”
Paul is planning to return to Poland to volunteer for another week, later this month.
