North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine delivers huge amount of donations

But despite coming from all walks of life, the team of 10 volunteers are united in a common cause - to help the people of Ukraine. 

And they are punching well above their weight in numbers. 

Since its formation following Russia’s invasion of its neighbour last February, North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine has fundraised for, collected and transported well over £500,000 in goods.

Co-ordinator Matt Cole, left, with Pete and Tracey Starling, from North Norfolk Aid For Ukraine Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Matt Cole, 52 and from Aldborough, said the volunteers were proud of what they had achieved, although they knew it was just a tiny fraction of what was needed.

Mr Cole, a furniture maker, said: “We’re all absolutely committed to it. The amount of aid that we’ve managed to deliver in support of Ukraine is huge.”

The group dates back around a year, when two convoys full of aid were delivered by a group co-ordinated by Banningham Crown manager Simon Feneron.

Members of the aid group took over from there and have since made around five more deliveries, with another, of donated stretchers, rope rescue gear and other aid, to take place later this month. 

Co-ordinator Matt Cole from North Norfolk Aid For Ukraine, with crutches, walking aids and medical supplies he and his team have collected. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Supplied)

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Mr Cole said: “The initial feedback we were getting from Ukrainian paramedics was that they were desperate for 4x4 vehicles to use for patient transport. 

"So we fundraised during the summer and purchased two LandRovers and a Mitsubishi Shogun.”

Tracey and Pete Starling from North Norfolk Aid For Ukraine, with some of the food they have collected. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Cole then contacted the East of England Ambulance Service, which donated two more ambulances, and all five vehicles were driven to Berlin where they were transferred to Ukrainian representatives.

MORE: North Norfolk volunteers bring Ukrainian refugees back to UK 

Another convoy followed in December with medical and camping equipment, mobility aids, baby goods and approaching 1,000 shoe boxes full of Christmas treats and gifts for children and adults.

Tom Knight, front, and Mark Chapman, from North Norfolk Aid For Ukraine, with just some of the medical supplies they have collected. Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

The group has made two more deliveries already this year.

To find out more or to join the group, search for North Norfolk Aid for Ukraine on Facebook.