A couple from Winterbourne are embarking on an epic trip to the Polish/Ukrainian border in a minibus today (Wednesday, March 23) to help transport Ukrainian refugees to their temporary homes.
Emma and Paul Heyward say they were "filled with sadness" watching the crisis in Ukraine unfold and felt they had to do something. Paul, a mechanic, serviced a minibus and drove it to Bristol, which the pair filled with donations from a drop-off point in Emersons Green ready to drive to the border.
They have set up a fundraising page to help with fuel costs. It is estimated fuel for the journey, during which they will cover 7,500 miles, will cost around £3,000.
Also read: Bristol Clean Air Zone survey suggests majority of people do not agree with scheme
Emma said: "My husband and I have been filled with sadness watching the plight of the refugees in Ukraine. The sadness and despair on the faces of these poor people has made us want to offer whatever help and support we can.
"We are looking to raise money to drive a minibus to Poland with aid for the Ukrainian refugees. The money raised will fund the fuel costs. We have secured palletised goods that have already been donated here and we have a contact in Poland who will meet us and direct us to where the help is needed most. The run to Poland alone is around £1,000 worth of fuel so we really need the support to make this possible.
"We are going to meet a contact at the Ukrainian border who will link us up with refugees waiting to travel to their temporary homes. We have got water and food on board for the people that travel with us and cuddly toys and blankets for the children.
"We are also carrying dog food and cat food for those hungry pets. None of this would be possible without your generous donations. Please please share with your friends and help us help these poor people."
Emma and Paul's friend Chris Tait said: "The first part of the trip will be to drop off urgently needed supplies to the hub at the Polish/Ukrainian border. They will then be based for ten days at the border, living out of the minibus. During those days, they will use the minibus to deliver many waiting Ukrainian families to nominated safe houses in Germany, Poland and other Eastern European countries.
"The estimated mileage will be 7,500, with the cost at around £3,000, and Paul and Emma will have to fund the fuel themselves with credit cards and cash and will only have those costs reimbursed from the fundraiser a few weeks after they return."
To donate to Paul and Emma's fundraiser, click here.
Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here
