AN ambulance that was part of the Jersey fleet will be driven on a 1,700-mile journey to Ukraine as part of ongoing relief efforts.
The ambulance, which was taken out of service in April and replaced, will be loaded with aid supplies before being delivered to the besieged nation in October.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, millions of people have been displaced and tens of thousands of civilians have been killed in a humanitarian crisis that is still unfolding. This week Russia killed more Ukranian civilians in a wave of strikes.
Volunteers Bob de la Haye and Dr Rhys Perkins will make the epic journey as part of the UK-based charity Pick Ups for Peace, which was established in February last year to supply vehicles and urgently required aid to the people of Ukraine.
Mr de la Haye said two friends in the UK had made a similar journey, prompting him to look at whether Jersey could help.
“The timing was perfect, as when I contacted the ambulance service they were on the point of bringing in new vehicles, with the old ambulances being potentially available to interested parties,” he said.
The two men will drive to Poland before meeting with other vehicles from Pick Ups for Peace and forming a convoy for the final leg of the journey.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said that in addition to Pick Ups for Peace, other vehicles had been given to the Jersey branch of Raynets – which works to provide assistance to emergency service organisations after major incidents – and Normandy Rescue, with further vehicles sold to a UK business and funds being reinvested in services in Jersey.
Chief ambulance officer Peter Gavey said: “I’m pleased we could offer this support, given the loss of infrastructure in Ukraine suffered during this conflict. I hope this will help save lives.”
Dr Perkins, a retired GP, and Mr de la Haye are seeking to raise money for the purchase of aid items that will be transported in the ambulance, including medical supplies, tools, tarpaulins and a stretcher.
Anyone wanting to donate to the appeal can do so at: justgiving.com/page/jersey-ambulance-for-ukraine-2024
