This week, I’m joined by studio guests Tim and Andy, both members of Lou Lyons, to discuss their participation in a recent aid trip to Ukraine.
I asked both of them how they got involved in this trip.
Tim, a classic car restorer based in Horning Tops, says a visit to Chernobyl has been on his bucket list for several years and he has started visiting Ukraine regularly to get to know the people and local culture. I started talking. Part of that time he spent in the southwestern city of Odesa.
When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine first began in February 2022, a friend of mine who runs a small charity in Odessa sent many letters asking for help, but many were ignored and turned into large corporations. He said the response from charities and organizations was terrible. “Sorry, we’re just doing our own thing.”
At the time, this meant that aid would be sent to Kiev rather than other regions.
Determined to help, Tim set up a ‘gofundme’ page to collect donations of essential items that he couldn’t find locally or were too expensive to buy, such as baby formula, diapers…” From there, it just snowballed. ”
Andy’s involvement began in April last year when he traveled by minibus to Warsaw, Poland, with colleagues from Lou Lyons, as part of Darren Tate’s regular ‘Devon and Cornwall Bringing Love to Ukraine’ convoy. go back.
Tim and Andy both join Darren’s group on further trips, after which Tim invites Andy to accompany him on their next trip to Odesa to give Andy the opportunity to meet local people and experience the tragic situation firsthand. persuaded.
Tim went on to say that after speaking with wounded soldiers at local hospitals, he became convinced that knowing the public is supported is just as important as the support itself.
Andy continued. “When they are informed that individuals from other countries are providing the aid, rather than the government, they will tremble with emotion and gratitude…The tears will not be one-sided!”
Tim and Andy have developed connections with many NHS sources here in the UK and have acquired an incredible amount of high quality medical supplies. Some of these will be picked up by Simon Cassidy and I when we cross in the ‘Lou and Liskeard’ van. February 10th as part of Darren’s convoy.
The two recently purchased an ambulance as a gift to promote their “partnership” with the town of Odesa, with which they will be operating an ambulance in the near future.
I have made it clear to Tim, Andrew and Darren that I feel that what they are doing deserves even more public awareness now that the situation in Ukraine is no longer front page news, and I hope that I hope the local media will encourage that.
You can read Tim and Andy’s full interview on Liskeard Radio’s Facebook page.
“Lou and Liskeard” Aid Trip to Ukraine
As I mentioned earlier, Mayor Simon Cassidy and I will be heading to the people of Ukraine on Saturday, February 10th, in a large van full of humanitarian and medical supplies.
It will represent the generosity and love of the people of our two towns.
We generously donate our time and efforts, but we need to raise funds to cover the cost of rental, fuel, ferries and basic accommodation… We need £1,500 and have so far raised £600 are collecting.
We are asking local individuals, businesses and organizations who can support this journey to donate through the ‘Just Giving’ link.