Alton’s humanitarian aid initiative ‘Energise Ukraine’ is appealing for funding to get vital and urgent medical equipment to hospitals in Ukraine.

Organiser Tony Souter said: “Our partner carrier needs £2,000 to get their van on the road and deliver the consignment. A typical round trip across Europe to Ukraine consumes around £1,500 worth of diesel fuel with another £500 earmarked for subsistence and accommodation for the drivers.”

A recent trip in February delivered equipment and consumable items to two hospitals in Kyiv as well as field hospitals near the frontline.

Within hours of volunteer Stuart Davidson delivering his consignment, one of the ventilator units he was carrying was up and running and hooked up to a patient.

Tony added: “We’re asking for another modest push to get this van on the road and the medical equipment to its destination.”

Support the ‘Energise Ukraine’ van-aid fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/energiseukraine