AN Islander has driven an ambulance over a thousand miles to Ukraine to support those affected by the war.
Gillian Arthur, a philanthropist who has been heavily involved in numerous local and UK charitable causes for over two decades, recently returned from the extensive journey from Oxfordshire to Lviv in Ukraine, driving an ambulance donated by NHS Cymru.
Today marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ms Arthur’s efforts were in support of UK charity, Driving Ukraine, which transports medical evacuation vehicles and vital supplies to the country’s war-torn eastern front.
The ambulance, which sported a Jersey flag on its trip, was one of 12 vehicles in the convoy earlier this month, which altogether transported a quarter-of-a-million pounds in medical supplies and additional donations.
The drivers also fundraised for “drone jammers”, devices used in Ukraine to aid the disruption of Russian drone attacks.
After arriving in Lviv, a city targeted by deadly attacks from Russia for the last three years, the city’s mayor was one of many Ukrainians – others including soldiers, paramedics and civilians – who welcomed Ms Arthur and her fellow drivers.
She explained that on arrival, there was “no sitting around” as the vehicles were quickly unpacked and sent to the workshop to be camouflaged in readiness for frontline support.
She added that the ambulance she drove was deployed soon after to a town near the country’s capital, Kyiv.
During the trip, Ms Arthur’s group also visited the military cemetery in Lviv, which she described as a “sobering experience”, particularly seeing the new graves and the extra land already cleared for further burials.
“This was a journey to provide much-needed equipment, but it was also a show of solidarity and humanity,” she said. “There is no doubt about the need for the assistance.
Within minutes of arrival in Lviv at night, there were vehicles in the workshop to be camouflaged for dispatch to the frontline the following morning.
The medical supplies were offloaded immediately and were already leaving for distribution that evening.”
She added: “We received a message of thanks from one soldier who dodged a bullet through his windscreen because the Russians hadn’t figured it was a right-hand drive.”
The recent convoy is one of 36 the charity has organised since the outbreak of war three years ago.
Ms Arthur urged others to volunteer as, even if the war were to end soon, there was still
“unfinished business”.
“The Ukrainians are courageous and resilient but concerned they will be forgotten. If anyone is tempted to join in a future convoy or a similar effort, go for it.
For all its seriousness of purpose, this was a fun and inspirational trip with a very eclectic group,” she said.
“It would be wonderful if others could be encouraged to volunteer too, either with Driving Ukraine or any other initiative to help the Ukrainians.”
To find out more about the charity’s work, how to get involved or donate, visit: drivingukraine.org
.
