Nottingham volunteer group recognised by Ukrainian government

Ann Vickers set up City Hub with her husband Stuart in 2022

A group that send aid from the UK to war-torn Ukraine has been recognised by the Ukrainian government.

City Hub Ukraine was set up in Nottingham in February 2022 to collect and send humanitarian aid, amid the war with Russia.

Founding volunteer Ann Vickers, who runs the hub with her husband Stuart, and two others were awarded the Cross of Honour and Glory.

The group recently sent its 45th lorry of supplies to Ukraine.

Mrs Vickers said they have sent "everything you'd need if everything around you was destroyed", from medical supplies to animal food.

Volunteers with the latest lorry of supplies sent to Ukraine

She added that she and her team are just a few of hundreds in the UK who have received the medal of recognition since the war began.

The medal was sent back to Mrs Vickers and the group via one of the aid trucks.

"It's lovely to have and it's an absolute honour and privilege. It just shows how much our work is appreciated," Mrs Vickers said.

The group has also received thanks from the families of refugees residing in the UK through its Facebook group and volunteer partners in Ukraine.

Mrs Vickers added that despite the cost of living crisis in the UK, she was "blown away all the time by the generosity of people".

She and the group continues to fundraise for donations, approaching businesses and staging events, including an upcoming charitable football tournament at Carlton Town FC on Sunday, 5 May.