Chorley charity gets award from Ukraine military leaders

Rev Bernard Cocker says the award was in recognition of the lives being saved by the charity's donations

Military leaders in Ukraine have given another award to a Lancashire charity.

International Aid Trust, based in Chorley, said it had sent 55 lorries full of donated humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

Rev Bernard Cocker, the charity's founder, said a medal given to him during a recent visit to the country was "really, really special".

He said the award had made him "quite emotional", adding it "shows how much they appreciate our efforts".

"It is recognition of the lives being saved with the ambulances, four by four vehicles and the mine detectors that we have sent out to help the refugees and the front line soldiers who are injured," he said.

"This award was given by the commanding general for all the southern forces - it's such a blessing and shows how much they appreciate our efforts."

He concluded: "These guys are making life or death decisions every day and take time out to come to see us."

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