For the fourth time since the conflict in Ukraine began 12 months ago, The Yorkshire Aid Convoy will again be making the 3,000-mile round trip, from its HQ in Leeds on 23rd March 2023 to deliver Humanitarian Aid, to people living in a country torn apart by war.
In addition to the nine trucks loaded with basic necessities such as food and clothing, this convoy will include a very special vehicle which will remain permanently in Ukraine, to provide emergency medical transportation.
Jonathan Turner, CEO of Wetherby-based Bayford Group, funded the purchase of the state-of-the-art ambulance which is set to improve civilian access to medical care. “When I heard about the work of the Yorkshire Aid Convoy, it was a cause that really struck a chord with me. The fact that this is a group of local volunteers who are committed to making a difference and have the guts and determination to personally gather the right kind of help, and then deliver it to exactly where it’s needed, on an on-going basis shows remarkable passion and commitment.”
“Keeping people moving has always been a big part of our business” adds Jonathan, from his base at Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, which is also home to the prestigious Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club. “When Gary asked me if I would like to join the convoy and drive one of the vehicles, I jumped at the chance. My 22-year-old son Freddie was also equally enthusiastic and is now going on the trip. I told the team that I would really like to donate some kind of vehicle to make a lasting difference in Ukraine and we looked at various things, including a minibus and welfare cabins. However, we were advised by Gary’s contact in Ukraine that an ambulance would provide the most benefit and fill a big gap. The pressure on emergency services is so great and this is something we envisage helping normal people who happen to be injured or sick but still trying to live normal lives in extraordinary times”. The ex-NHS ambulance will be driven to its new home later this month as part of the convoy. “To see Freddie driving off to Ukraine in something that could ultimately save people’s lives – that’s going to be pretty emotional and special.” adds Jonathan.
Gary Dooley, Yorkshire Aid Convoy Trustee, is continually overwhelmed by the generosity which Jonathan, and many other Yorkshire-based companies, have shown the Charity over the last 20 years as they aim to meet the exact needs of a country currently at war. “We work very closely with partners on the ground in Ukraine such as The Rotary and Caritas to make sure that every single item we take – whether it’s food, mattresses, technology or hygiene products – is wanted and needed. They tell us what they need and we do our best to find it. We even have an online system to track the destinations of donations, for instance we have taken thousands of refurbished computers to help misplaced children continue their education and enable people to work – we can see exactly where these items are making a difference to lives and communities.” A recent convoy also included a donated mobile classroom, which is now a learning unit for children with special needs in Kharkiv where many schools have been destroyed.
Mark Murphy, Founder of the Yorkshire Aid Convoy summed up the impact of Jonathan’s donation by saying “This ambulance will mean somebody gets to hospital safely and quickly for vital treatment – any delay could be the difference between life and death. Neonatal services in particular have been harshly affected by the conflict and there is a huge migrant population to the West of the country, where predominantly it is women who have left their homes in the conflict zones to the East to travel and seek safety and shelter for themselves and their children. This ambulance is ready adapted for baby transportation and we are also taking a lot of baby care products this time.”
“We hear of all the people that have left Ukraine, but that’s just a tiny fraction compared to the number of people who have stayed in their home country out of choice or circumstance. It’s sad that the true victims of conflict are often the people who are left behind to carve out an existence and are living day to day – the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of all this adversity is just phenomenal. Even in wartime, life goes on and we want to make that life the best it can be. I cannot tell you how proud we will be to hand over this extremely special donation and, on behalf of our Partners in Ukraine and all the communities they help, we extend huge thanks to Jonathan, the Bayford Group and the members of the Bowcliffe Drivers’ Club.”
