Retired Northumberland vet Graeme Reavley, 68, from Bowsden, has set off on his 21st humanitarian mission to Ukraine after receiving a £14,000 funding boost. He left the region on 4 August with a team of volunteers, bound for the war-torn country to deliver a crew van, a pick-up truck, and essential supplies to the local charity Auto Angels.
Funding and journey details
The latest journey was made possible thanks to £14,000 across two rounds of funding from the Reece Family Trust. The cash boost allowed Graeme to purchase the vehicles and cover ferry crossings and fuel, while he continues to cover all other costs personally.
Graeme first travelled to Ukraine three and a half years ago with the charity Pick Up for Peace. However, the 68-year-old says the needs of those on the ground have drastically changed over time.
Changing needs on the ground
"At the beginning, four-wheel drives were desperately needed closer to the front line," Graeme explained. "Now there's a growing need for crew vans and minibuses to transport people who have been injured or displaced by the war, including people who have lost limbs and need wheelchair-accessible transport."
Alongside the vehicles, the convoy is transporting clothing, generators, books, and medical supplies. Joining Graeme on the gruelling drive from Hull to Rotterdam, and onwards through Germany to the Polish-Ukrainian border, are three volunteer drivers and a student. Together, they will experience first-hand the realities of delivering humanitarian aid into an active war zone. Depending on demand, the team can face border crossing times ranging from just a couple of hours to over ten.
Impact and support
"Everything we take finds a home," Graeme continued. "There's an incredible network of people working together to make sure donations reach those who need them most. So many people have lost absolutely everything."
Alina, a resident from Kyiv, shared how much the North East missions mean to those still living in the country's most dangerous districts. "Every time I think it could be the last, but we still live, help each other and pray," she said. "It is so important to bring vehicles to Ukraine, every Ukrainian has lost something in this war but we haven't lost hope."
Greg Reece, an active family supporter of the Reece Family Trust, praised Graeme's selflessness and commitment. "Graeme is an amazing Northumberland volunteer giving his time, energy and expertise to help people facing unimaginable circumstances," Greg said. "While the vehicles are heading to Ukraine, this is still very much a North East story of kindness, generosity and people stepping up to help others. This mission just felt too important to ignore."
