North Yorkshire aid workers to visit Ukraine for fourth time

In March, Mark Farrow, a computer expert from Scorton, and Stephen White, an administrator from Richmond, will drive 1,318 miles over three days across Europe to deliver the vehicle to Ukraine, where it will be donated for work on the Ukrainian frontlines.

Mark and Steve are joining the Driving Ukraine team for their fourth mission to deliver a vehicle, but they still need help in the way of donations for the mission.

Mark Farrow (right) with Stephen White (left) (Image: MARK FARROW)

So far, people have helped to raise more than £30,000 for the missions that Mark and Stephen have embarked on.

“While the news channels may not talk about Ukraine as much these days, their need for our help is greater than ever,” Mark said.

We haven’t forgotten our Ukrainian friends, and each vehicle we can provide for them saves lives, bringing Ukrainian men and women safely home to their families.

Mark Farrow (centre) with Stephen White (right) (Image: MARK FARROW)

“This will be our fourth trip, and with your help, the fourth evacuation vehicle we take them.

“Thanks to everyone who has donated to us in the past (an incredible almost £30,000 so far!), as we couldn’t do any of this without you, it really is a team effort.

“Having met some of the Ukrainians whose lives have been changed by your and our help, I can say for sure this is the most worthwhile thing I have ever been part of.”

The route that the pair will take (Image: MARK FARROW)

Driving Ukraine vehicles, 4×4 pickup trucks and ambulances, are purchased in the UK and modified by dedicated volunteers, before being placed with essential teams in Ukraine, including: ambulance crews, 4×4 evacuation teams, first-aid responders, international volunteer medics, air defence teams, humanitarian bomb disposal units, and hospitals, among others.

The current fundraiser from the pair aims to collect £7000 worth of donations, with the current total just below £4,000.

If Mark and Stephen get more than £7,000, it will go towards upgrading the vehicle with a Чуйка 3.0 (Chuyka) drone signal detector.

Two of the aid vehicles donated to Ukraine (Image: MARK FARROW)

This is a tool that allows teams on the front line to stay one step ahead of Russian drones.

Mark added: “The urgent need for international support in Ukraine is undeniable, particularly today, even as some sort of peace is discussed.

Mark and Stephen with other aid workers (Image: MARK FARROW)

“The longer this invasion persists, the more challenging it becomes for Ukraine. The war is now in its fourth year.

“The future of Ukraine’s survival hangs in the balance with new international leaders in power.

“The Ukrainians need more vehicles, aid, and international support from volunteers than ever before.

“The toll of this conflict is staggering, with tens of thousands of civilians killed, countless more injured, and hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure damage.

“4,000,000 Ukrainians have lost their homes, 10,000 missiles have been launched at the country, and over 1,000 medical facilities have been destroyed.”