Lib Dem leader praises local Ukraine charity

Sir Ed Davey visited the charity with local Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has praised the work of a Surrey charity which is providing supplies for people in Ukraine.

Sir Ed visited Surrey Stands With Ukraine, which is based in Epsom, on Friday alongside the area’s MP Helen Maguire.

During the pair's visit, the charity was putting together packs including portable gas cookers, power banks and rechargeable torches to help people throughout the winter.

Sir Ed said: "I've been utterly inspired by people here in Epsom, from across Surrey, who are giving up days and days, and have been doing it for two years."

'£3.5m worth of aid'

He added: "To see that compassion, that commitment, is just awe-inspiring."

Maguire said she was also "blown away" by the charity's work.

The Surrey organisation started back in 2022 when the war began.

Co-founder Roy Deadman said: "We've done £3.5m worth of aid shipped, 118 trucks, a large aerial platform fire engine that we've sent there and purchased, a number of vans we've sent there, 250 generators, 600 gas stoves and a huge amount of medical equipment [has been sent].”

He originally thought the charity would only last two weeks.

"It's honestly sad that we're still doing this. We're doing this now because Russia is still inside Ukraine," he added.