THREE more ambulances carrying medical aid and Easter gifts have made it safely to Ukraine from Leamington.
The ambulances, numbered 62, 63 and 64, were made possible thanks to Belveder CIC with the support of BVS Gurdwara Bedworth, Warwickshire Freemasons, Gursewak Trust and LKQ Euro Car Parts.
They were loaded with vital medical supplies donated by Cardiff 4 Ukraine and Ukraine Medical Charity, together with Easter gifts for children affected by the war. Kenilworth Lions, Warwick Rotary Club and Leamington History Group helped collect more than 1,000 Easter eggs, which will now be distributed to children and families in need.
The volunteer drivers travelled to Leżajsk in eastern Poland, where the ambulances were handed over to representatives of the Ukrainian military. During the handover, the drivers also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Nina and Andrij, Ukrainian army medics, about the realities of life and service on the front line. Their stories gave a powerful insight into the daily sacrifices being made by those defending Ukraine.
Ivan and Jeff from Kenilworth Lions Club said: “We drove our ambulance in memory of Kenilworth Lion Bill Birkett, who had delivered three ambulances to Ukraine before he very sadly passed away in 2025. We met a young couple, Nina and Andrij, with young children at home, who would be returning to active service on the front line the following day. The message we bring back is that we must never forget the sacrifices that the courageous people of Ukraine are making on our behalf.”
Pal Singh Sanghera, vice lord-lieutenant of Warwickshire who helped deliver the ambulances, added: “It was humbling to meet the volunteers at the handover point, especially Nina and Andrij. Speaking to parents of two young daughters, whose home city continues to suffer drone attacks, yet who are still, four years into this brutally illegal war, serving on the front line for all of us, was deeply moving. Hearing directly about the human cost of this war was a powerful reminder that our effort may be small, but it is also vital. We must each do what we can, in whatever way we can, to make a difference.”
