THREE members of Bromsgrove Ukrainian Support and Relief (BUSAR) travelled 1,834km to Warsaw to deliver vital supplies to Ukrainians.
James Bennett went over with his mum and second cousin, who are both Polish, where they delivered ten maternity cots fully-loaded with medicines and clothes for newborn babies.
Many Ukrainian women have been forced to give birth in dangerous places such as abandoned railway stations.
Supplies are being uploaded to go to Poland. s
A heartfelt note left in one of the maternity units read ‘bravery and courage comes with you. You’ve got this.’
BUSAR was set up four weeks ago in response to the current situation in Ukraine.
After seeing the conflict in Ukraine, James approached Hereford Councillor Jim Kenyon to ask how he could help.
He was put in touch with two council officers, who were working in a warehouse depot full of supplies to aid the people of Ukraine.
BUSAR held several fund-raising events including forming a band to play at Bromsgrove Unionist Club. James was then able to rent transport to take supplies over to Poland, with Redditch Vehicle Hire giving them a charitable rate.
Upon arriving in Poland, BUSAR met with four Ukrainians in their 20s who took the supplies across the Ukrainian border.
James said: “I was in awe of these people.
“They told me they had loved ones murdered and yet they continues to cross the border every few days.
“It was really humbling to see their gratitude towards us considering I’ve only driven a few days and these people have been through so much.
“Towards the end of our time there we all shared a hug.”
The team gave updates on their travels through their Facebook page, regularly posting photos and videos.
James and the BUSAR team are looking to make further trips to Poland in the near future, and he is also hoping to sponsor a refugee with his family.
He added that he has been overwhelmed by the response of people giving to Ukraine.
Visit facebook.com/busaruk for more information and to donate to the cause.
