Fireman thanked by charity for driving to Ukraine

For the second time, fireman Darren Warwick has joined on the trip, this time as a driver.

Guernsey Airport Fire & Rescue has offered Mr Warwick the time as paid holiday and is fully supportive of his efforts to support the charity.

‘I was surprised when I first went, you never know what you’re going to see,’ he said.

Disability aids, first aid kits and wound closure kits are among the supplies being taken to the Poland and Ukraine border, as well as toys and games for children.

‘We aren’t near [the war zone] but you don’t know what you’re dealing with. You are seeing people in dire need.’

Mr Warwick is also first aid trained and police checked, which was said to make him a valuable part of the team.

The aim is to support the refugees as much as possible before the temperatures drop too much.

HAG founder Natalia Sylvester said the Fire Service had been extremely generous by getting involved with the charity’s work.

‘It’s time to refresh people’s minds about what we do,’ she said.

‘We try to make sure everyone knows about the amazing work being done. It is the little things that make these trips possible. Darren is doing it on his free time, he is not getting paid for it, and it is a nice gesture of kindness.’

The aid will be delivered to a warehouse where it will be distributed to children and families through the refugee charity Small Feet.

The team set off on 30 October and are due to return in about a week.