We are Martin Dove and Mark Crook, two retired Thames Valley Police Officers who have been friends for over 30 years, from since when we joined the Force together. We are both Christians and have been moved and appalled by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine and their neighbouring countries. We felt that we wanted to do something practical to help so looked at several big charities, but they didn't want hands-on support. Then, an email from Mission Direct prompted a series of conversations that has now led to us to planning to take a van-load of aid in a few weeks time. If this goes well, we may take another van later, or even lead a group of vans.

We will be taking carefully chosen aid items, guided by Mission Direct and with their partner called Foundation Ancora, to ensure that we do this properly and to make sure that we take what is actually needed. We have researched the routes, channel crossing, van hire, and the aid required. Foundation Ancora have connected us to a partner church of theirs in Arad, Romania, where we will take the aid. 

Although Mission Direct is supporting our efforts, we want to fundraise to cover the costs of the van, fuel, channel crossing and food, as much as possible so that more charity money goes directly to the refugees. If you donate on this page, the funds will support our efforts to get aid where it is needed. If there is anything left over, it will either fund future van-loads or be added to Mission Direct's general appeal to help the Ukrainian refugees.

One of the benefits of donating on here is that gift aid can be added to your donation, if you are a tax-payer. This would mean that a £10 donation would become £12.50 with the gift aid.

Mission Direct will retain 6% of the overall amount raised. This will help them cover their costs as they work hard to coordinate support for the refugees.