When the Russian army tanks rolled into Ukraine we met with the Ukrainian and Polish community living in Swindon and heard first hand of the desperate situation many Ukrainians found themselves in. I was energised to do my bit to help and the seeds of the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership were planted.

Some 7 months on, a small group of volunteers from Ukraine, Lithuania and Britain have delivered around 600 tonnes of aid to either the Polish/Ukraine border or into Central and Eastern Ukraine itself - 1600 beds and mattresses ( from the Nightingale hospitals ), so called “ obsolete “ medical equipment from storage facilities at NHS hospitals, clothes, sleeping bags, period products, food, toiletries and many other items have been loaded onto lorries and driven across Europe .

The haulage companies have been heroes - offering their services free of charge . However, free haulage has come to an end and to continue our crucial work we need funds to purchase haulage services. The companies are not being greedy - many are just asking to cover their costs - wages for the driver, insurance premiums and the spiralling cost of diesel .

We have virtually no funds and our respectful request for support from local and national Government have not, so far, been successful.

We have regular contact with Ukrainians on the front line - men fighting for their families and friends. We know what is needed and where the needs are greatest.

In the light of this intelligence we have decided to work with Ukrainian haulage companies and drivers that are prepared to take the aid directly into Ukraine and close to the most seriously affected areas in the east of the country.

Back in Swindon and surrounding areas we are starting to see the arrival of refugee visitors - typically young mums with children - with the dads, husbands and partners back in Ukraine either fighting, working in essential occupations or in some tragic cases killed in action. These people need housing, kindness, and support with everything from clothing, schooling, university places, employment opportunities and help to apply for short term benefits. Whatever money and savings they may have had are in closed accounts back home. They are traumatised and need our kindness and support.

If your own circumstances permit we and our Ukrainian friends would be so grateful for any donation.

The Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership