County Durham communities are supporting families in Ukraine this Christmas by sending a HGV full of aid to try and let those in the country know they are thought about.
While Christmas will be going ahead in County Durham, many Ukrainian war refugees now living in the region will not be able to celebrate it with their families, as their husbands and fathers are defending their Motherland.
Despite the ongoing conflict, hospitals on Ukraine’s frontline will receive a Christmas boost in medical supplies thanks to the generosity and help of County Durham residents, including Durham University students and Ukrainian families who have settled in the region through the government’s “Homes for Ukraine” scheme.
A total of £5,210 was raised to buy medical supplies including bandages, tourniquets, chest seals, NIO adult intraosseous devices and emergency blankets which will go towards helping casualties on the frontline of the war with Russia.
Ukrainian refugees and their supporters from Durham County Council have purchased hand and foot warmers for soldiers who are spending days exposed to sub-zero temperatures as they stand guard in trenches and defend against any advances by the Russian troops.
The UK-based DS Medical company also donated 150 disposable fleece blankets to give extra warmth on cold winter days.
Anna Nemesh, a Ukrainian refugee living in Durham City, who has coordinated fundraising and the purchase of medical supplies, said: "We are very grateful to our many friends and supporters in County Durham who have assisted us in raising money to support our Ukrainian defenders who are shivering on the frontline in Ukraine.
"This is important, not just as physical support, but also as a morale boost.
"As well as providing many practical, medical supplies, Ukrainian children drew pictures and wrote messages to Ukrainian soldiers to make sure they know that they have our love and gratitude.
"Some of the funds that have gone towards the medical supplies for Ukrainian hospitals were raised by students from Durham University who held concerts to raise awareness and encourage donations.
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"We are so thankful for all the help we have received, and hope that Ukraine will stay in people’s minds and hearts."
Boxes of medical supplies, along with hand and foot warmers, were loaded onto Steve Hodgson’s transport vehicle with the help of Durham Elvet Rotary.
The lorry carrying supplies for Ukraine set off on Wednesday, December 13, and is expected to reach Ukraine by December 20.
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