Jeep convoy heads to Ukraine filled with ‘lifesaving’ supplies

A Scottish charity has sent their eighth convoy of vehicles filled with “lifesaving” supplies to Ukraine.

Jeeps for Peace have sent a convoy of 41 vehicles filled with food and medical supplies to help as Ukraine continues to fight against the Russian invasion.

With the help of 50 driving volunteers, the jeeps will be driving through Holland, Germany and Poland before going into Ukraine to deliver the vehicles and head home.

Co-founder of the group, Stewart Owen Ford, said that this would be their eighth large convoy, with smaller trips happening in between to bring constant aid to war-struck victims.

“These vehicles will be carrying urgent medical supplies and will be used on the front line to help extract injured soldiers or to help the people of Ukraine get out,” he told STV News.

Mr Ford said the group came about due to the “injustice” of Russia’s invasion, adding: “You see the pictures on the television of the innocent people getting bombarded with rockets and missiles, it’s critical that we help the people of Ukraine.”

He said that Scotland’s aid has been “significant” adding that they have donated around 300 vehicles, as well as several ambulances and quad bikes.

“There’s Pick Ups for Peace in Scotland as well, who are doing equally as much, if not more,” he added.

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Mr Ford estimates the group has donated around £2m to £3m, and added the charity is always looking for new drivers to help bring “essential” aid to Ukraine.

“We have around 50 drivers on this convoy, but we’re constantly needing more drivers and vehicles, they are essential and I cant underestimate how valuable they are.

“These vehicles will be saving lives,” he said.

Mum-of-five, Christina Murphy, will be driving a vehicle in the convoy on what will be her 11th trip to Ukraine.

“I started helping as soon as the war started, my dad was in World War Two and ended up being a prisoner in Burma and suffered severely.”

This has motivated her to “get out on the front” as much as she can, taking things for a orphanage as well as medical supplies.

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Sandy Boa, who has already taken part in two convoys with the charity, will be partaking as a passenger on this trip due to a recent hip operation.

The 81-year-old, who donated her car, said it the trip was a “small” thing for her to do but its something that means so much to the people of Ukraine.

“it’s very important, Ukraine is in such a state and we need to help them in every way we can and they don’t deserve to be in this situation,” she said.

First time driver Andy Barclay said it was inspirational to see people from all walks of life come together to make the “emotional journey”.

“The support they need, it’s went off the radar a little bit, but this might bring light back to the situation that they need the support and help,” he said.

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