THE Drefach Felindre husband and wife team who have been ferrying ambulances stashed with medical supplies for Ukraine are planning their fifth trip to the war zone – accompanied by TV actor Bruce Byron.
Rob and Jayne Holland, of Penboyr, have staged a series of mercy dashes to the Polish/Ukrainian border – bankrolled by fundraising evenings at Jayne’s restaurant Veganishmum.
Thanks to support from the local community, the couple have now raised over £25,000 since hostilities broke out in February 2022.
During this period they have supplied and donated two former NHS paramedic ambulances, two baby incubators, assorted medical aid, 25 portable generators and over 2,000 sleeping bags, blankets, and hot water bottles.
Now, having fitted hi-viz decals to their latest vehicle and handed it over to Outreach Paramedics for interior adaption before heading again to Ukraine on January 21, they have enlisted the help of Bruce – best-known for his appearances on The Bill and The Mummy Returns – who is a director of OP.
“With the onset of more political problems with Israel and Gaza, as well as natural disasters, people sometimes need reminding that the problems in Ukraine are as real as ever,” Rob told the Tivyside.
“With that in mind we have again been bowled over by the sheer generosity of our community and thrilled to have been able to now buy a Nissan Pathfinder that will be shortly converted into an ambulance for work in Ukraine.”
Rob and Jayne will be making their fifth trip to Ukraine next month.
The Cornwall-based Outreach Paramedics is staffed by doctors, paramedics and other healthcare professionals who use their annual leave to go to Ukraine and train firefighters in emergency first aid.
“On our next trip we will be donating and supplying this 4 x 4 ambulance capable of carrying these personnel as well as casualties from the frontline,” added Rob.
“This is as grassroots as grassroots fund-raising gets. All of the funds are used for the purposes described. There is zero administration.
“What we are donating is something tangible, something that will make a difference whether it be a hot water bottle or a vehicle.”
Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/veganishmums4x4forUkraine
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