Volunteers' aid trip for Ukrainian refugees

The volunteers from Helping Our Ukrainian Friends (including Maxine Drake second from right) delivered aid to families impacted by the war

A five-vehicle convoy from Peterborough, which included two decommissioned ambulances, has delivered aid to families in war-torn Ukraine.

Volunteers from the Helping Our Ukrainian Friends group, from Peterborough and surrounding villages, sent medical supplies, warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food and toys to Kyiv.

Peterborough City Hospital staff member Maxine Drake took annual leave to join the team on the 4,838 km (3,000 mile) trip.

She said it was a "tough few days".

On their six-day mission, the team also delivered gifts to Ukrainian refugees living in Poland; mostly women and children whose husbands and fathers have either died in the country or who remain there.

Ms Drake, who works as a transformation programme manager at the hospital, also volunteers for Peterborough Soup Kitchen.

"It was a tough few days, but the camaraderie of the group was fantastic - many of us had never met before but came together to try and make a difference to the lives of those affected by the war," Ms Drake said.

"I had never done anything like this before but am already looking forward to having the opportunity to do something similar next year."