Simon Roberts flew out to Europe just days after he saw the conflict unravelling in Ukraine.
Bristol-born Simon, 49, is a self-employed father of two from Stockwood. He joined forces with friends Brian and Paul to help as many people in Ukraine, particularly women and children, get to a safe zone, offering them food, drink and other supplies when needed.
Speaking to Bristol Live via telephone on the road about two hours from Ukraine, we asked Simon how he was feeling on his side of the border. "Tired," he said with a hint of optimism. "It’s a long old jaunt but very rewarding. The scenes we’ve seen here are horrific, a very sad state of affairs.
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When we spoke, Simon and his team were heading down to find a family who had been lost between Lyiv and the Polish border as they hadn't been seen or heard from for days. "We're in desperate need to try and locate this family and try and get them out," he emphasised.
Having been deeply moved by the harrowing scenes of the war breaking out on the news on Thursday, February 24, they quickly arranged to fly out on Tuesday, March 1. They collected charitable donations from pick up points in Bournemouth and headed for the western city of Lviv to assist families seeking to cross the Polish border. Having children themselves, they were shocked to see babies, children and women walking for miles to get to a safe crossing, with many Ukrainian men remaining in cities and towns to help fight the war.
On arrival, he described seeing devastated families with just a single bag of belongings having fled Russian attacks at a moment's notice. "We've tried to do the best we can and help the best way to try and take the edge off. Obviously, we're talking over two million people, but the little things we do are making a difference."
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As it stands, more than 2.8 million people have fled Ukraine because of Russia's invasion. Since March 13, Poland had taken in 1,720,227 refugees, Hungary 255,291, Slovakia 204,862, Moldova has taken in 106,994, Russia 131,365 and Belarus 1,226 (according to the UN). Romania has also welcomed 84,671 as at March 8. Families in the UK are being encouraged to offer their homes to refugees if they have space, with the Government recently announcing a £350 per month support scheme for those who are able to help.
But not everyone has been able to flee the country, with thousands still travelling on foot to border countries such as Poland. On landing in Europe, Simon's team acquired a people carrier and equipped it with new tyres with the help of family and friends in Germany.
"We're going many, many miles a day, we're doing hundreds of pounds in fuel as sorting food and drinks for people." He said it also shows a side of the conflict that you don't see as much in the media. Their aim is to try and do as many trips as they can to and from Lyiv to Poland, although sometimes their travel further afield to places like Germany and Czechia.
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Most nights he sleeps with Brian, Paul and his team in the minivan in sub-zero temperatures after 15-hour days driving to and from the Ukrainian border. "If we can, we try and get a hotel or lodgings many hours from the border because everything is so wrapped up with refugees everywhere."
Despite having been there for almost two weeks, he said he was continuously shocked by what he has seen in eastern Europe. "It's absolutely devastating to think and see that this thing can happen in this day and age. It's incredible we're actually living through this in our lifetime.
When we asked how his own family felt about him risking his life to help others, he said they are supportive but scared and very worried for him. "There's a lot more shelling closer to the border, but our safety is paramount so we can carry on helping others to make sure they're safe." Simon has stayed in contact with his loved ones back in Bristol over the phone and via his Facebook page, but he said it's heart wrenching speaking to them.
He explained how his team will all be heading back to the UK in around eight days to briefly spend some time with their families. After resetting, they will consider flying back out and hiring another vehicle to continue helping people get to safety as much as they can.
Simon and Brian's Crowdfunder raising the funds to make this all possible is still ongoing. There has already been a huge response from friends and family donating online and also from the goodwill of strangers, he explained. But with an overall target of £10,000, there's still a way to go to ensure they can continue providing a vital lifeline for women and children fleeing the conflict. If there is any money left over after they have finished the rest of the funds will be donated to Action Aid.
Click here if you're able to donate to their Crowdfunder or please share the link to the page to spread awareness of their cause.
Read more: The Bristol restaurants helping Ukraine one plate at a time
Other ways to help: Urgent donations for Ukraine needed in Bristol ahead of delivery to war-torn country
