A MAN who has so far raised more than £2000 for Ukraine is preparing his second trip to the Polish border to help refugees.
Jerry Winchester, who has managed to raise £2400 for the cause, is planning to leave Somerset again on May 1 to reach the Polish-Ukrainian border for the second time.
Jerry, who is now retired, has already made a trip last month with the help of a friend.
He previously said that “watching news of the war in Ukraine and the devastating impact it was having on people living there made it impossible for him to do nothing”.
Jerry also said: “It has been a privilege to deliver the aid to Ukraine and know that the donated supplies will get to the people who need it most.
"But I now know, as well as aid supplies, we need to be able to transport refugees to a place of safety physically.
“We were approached by a family of eight Ukrainians asking for transport to Stuttgart but could not help because we had no seats in the van.
"Some days, thousands of refugees arrive at the Polish border, and there is a shortage of vehicles to drive them to safety.
“I plan to take a people-carrier back as soon as possible so that I can join the rescue efforts taking refugee families to places of safety in Poland and Germany.
“I am working closely with Ukraine Aid - UK2KRK, a small volunteer group in Weston-super-Mare.
“All donations you give will help pay for the petrol costs of driving the families to safety. Any money left over will go directly to the UK2KRK so they can continue sending essential supplies to help refugees.
“I am taking up a load of supplies and then moving people from the border to host families in Europe.
“On the return journey to the UK, I will hopefully find a family that has actually managed to get a visa and bring them to a host family in Somerset.
“So far, I have raised £2400. Every £1.00 means I can move five family members four miles.”
Jerry also added that “all funds will go to the Ukrainian charity in the event of my plans coming to a sudden stop”.
Donations can be made by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/cheddar-man-with-van-takes-aid-to-ukraine
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here