The couple building a medical truck for Ukrainians
A couple from Bristol are building a mobile dental and medical truck to help those living in war-torn regions of Ukraine.
Brian and Helen Hammond have been transporting aid to those in need since setting up their charity, Emergency Aid for Ukraine, in 2022.
The couple have supplied five other vehicles to Ukraine, but each of these has been for a different use.
“They don't understand why we're there, because it's not our fight, but they're always grateful,” Mrs Hammond said.
The vehicle was "very kindly" donated to them for £1, and they received a dental chair from Exeter.
Everything else is being funded and sourced by the couple, and they are appealing for further donations from the public.
“When this current war first started, people were sending anything and that was fine to start with, but then there’s going to be things they don’t need.
“So, we always say to the people that we’re coming over on this day, what do you need? If we can, we’ll supply it,” Mrs Hammond said.
For each of their missions, the couple have driven through the Channel Tunnel.
They then go through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland before crossing the border to finally reach Kharkiv.
“On our last mission we did 5,300 miles since we left Bristol,” Mr Hammond said.
Along the way to Kharkiv, they have encountered bad roads and “blown-up bridges”, making their journey more dangerous.
Mr Hammond said he believed their “networks” within Ukraine were the roots which helped them to respond swiftly in trying times.
“So an example, with the dam – when it was first blown up by the Russians it flooded a huge area.
“All the big charities took six months to respond.
“We responded and got equipment there within 48 hours from England,” he said.
Their journeys have also helped them understand soldiers are not “provided” with everything.
Mrs Hammond said: “Quite often they have to find their own uniforms, pay for their own uniforms.
“We’ve provided sleeping bags to female soldiers and sanitary products, and things like that.
“Unless you live in a war-torn country, you don’t understand the difficulties of supply,” she added.
Mrs Hammond said they were always touched by the gratitude from local Ukrainians.
The couple hope to complete the truck and drive over to Ukraine by the end of July.
Like all their aid trips, they hope the vehicle will continue to help even when they are not there.
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