Brixham unites as Ukraine aid convoy heads off

A major community send-off  was given to a Ukraine aid convoy from Brixham.

Among the well-wishers was a woman who used to live in the very village in Ukraine where some of the emergency supplies are now heading.

The Brixham Medical and Humanitarian Aid Convoy left for Ukraine  from Fore Street after a parade through the town.

A Union Jack send off for the Brixham Ukraine convoy

A spokesperson said: "It was amazing to see Brixham people turn out in their hundreds just to wave the convoy off.

"It was an emotional event with the convoy lined up ready to depart with two ambulances and four other vehicles laden with medical and other supplies and then driven by eight local volunteers on a parade through the town."

The Ukraine national is now living and working in the port. The spokesperson said: "It was an amazing coincidence and quite an emotional moment."

Convoy parade through Brixham

The departure marked  an amazing community achievement, the biggest event in the town all year, as  hundreds of local people finished fundraising, collecting, sorting ,stacking and dispatching these much needed items with some of them there to wave off the volunteer drivers.

The spokesperson said: "After four years of war the Ukrainian people  have to face a harsh winter, but still require essential supplies to help them survive.

"Brixham Future CIC have been leading the community effort alongside local churches, Middle Street traders, the Chamber of Commerce, Brixham Rugby Club,  the Probus Club, Rotary, Lions, Masons, Women`s Institute, numerous other organisations, clubs, societies and individuals assisted by local group Ukraine Action.

"Public collections and fundraising has been on-going for  four months to obtain vital supplies including medical aid, mobility aids, hygiene items, generators, warm winter blankets and hats and gloves etc. "

Brixham convoy ambulance on its way

The two ambulances are an essential part of the convoy as they are desperately needed for medical evacuation of the injured, elderly and disabled people from continuous bombing and the ever-changing front-line areas.  

The spokesperson said:  "We purchased six suitable vehicles. These included the two vital second-hand ambulances. These will be driven across Europe to Poland by local Brixham volunteers and handed over to the Ukrainian resident volunteers for front-line areas. The Brixham drivers can then fly home  for Christmas.`

"We are proud of the eight volunteer drivers, who will endure five arduous days, and no doubt sleepless nights, in shared minimal accommodation along the route.

"Among the local volunteers are five military veterans, accustomed to convoy driving and early morning rise and shine. We thank them all."

The convoy cost over £40,000 to finance, including buying the vehicles, repairs, servicing and MOT`s, insurance, ferry, flights, diesel, and accommodation. Over £10,000 was spent on vital medical supplies including antibiotics and 10 First Responder Medical Trauma Bags, full of life saving kit. 

The spokesperson said: "We are particularly pleased  that the convoy medical supplies includes over £10,000 of urgent items  for Sumy hospital, which was recently bombed

"We thank everyone from the public who have been very generous. Many people, local clubs  or organisations have sponsored specific items such as the First Responder Medical Kit Bags or the antibiotics etc or made donations.

"Our local voluntary sector has demonstrated once again, that it is the beating heart of the local community. It rises to every major challenge from Covid to major events. 

"It shows what a fantastic town in which we live, work in or visit. The response of Brixham people enhances our reputation as a place to be proud of and volunteer in."

Further details on the Brixham Convoy`s please contact:
John Brennan-01803 852270 or john.brennan’brixhamfuture.co.uk or Jonathan Parr , the Convoy team-leader on 07761025608.