Man embarks on 10th humanitarian trip to Ukraine

Andy Evangelou said he was inspired to help those under Russian invasion after his own childhood in Cyprus was blighted by conflict

A man from Devon is making his 10th trip to Ukraine carrying medical supplies in a camouflaged caravan.

Andy Evangelou, who lives in Plymouth, said he was inspired to help those impacted by the Russian invasion after his own childhood in Cyprus was blighted by conflict.

He will be joined by Ukrainian Maksym Litvinov who said he was trying to "do everything to help his country, his city and his friends".

Their convoy will carry medical equipment, including three dialysis machines, wheelchairs, medicines and 200kg (31 stone) of pet food for rescue animals.

Andy Evangelou is making his tenth humanitarian trip to Ukraine

Mr Evangelou told the BBC: "It's surreal, there are sirens, there are air raid warnings but there is no hysteria.

"It feels like the whole coutry has come together.

"Everyone is involved."

He added: "What's driven me is when I was 14 my native country Cyprus was invaded by Turkey and I witnessed my family being distraught and my extended family being homeless."

He said at the time there "wasn't much he could do" but when Russian invaded Ukraine he felt he was now "able to do something".

Nine trips later, he said he had now teamed up with Mr Litvinov and was working with a charity.

"I just feel I've got to see it out until the end," he added.

Maksym Litvinov, from Ukraine but who now lives in Plymouth, is joining Mr Evangelou

Mr Litvinov said this will be his fourth trip to his home country since moving to Plymouth, with previous visits predominantly involving the transfer of equipment for children and soldiers.

He said they were focusing on medical supplies this time, with a great need "across the country".

He said the caravan and the towing car would then remain in the country to be used on the frontline.

Plymouth veterinary surgeon Edmund Shillabeer has supported the trip through fundraising, after hosting Mr Litvinov's wife and son before Mr Litvinov arrived from Ukraine.

Mr Shillabeer said he had held a party at Plymouth Argyle, as well as through contributions to his veterinary surgery.