College friends unite to deliver Ukraine aid from Jersey

Alex Stroie and Toader Sarbu have been helping deliver aid from Jersey to Ukraine since the war began two years ago

Two former college friends have reunited to help people deliver aid from Jersey in Ukraine.

Alex Stroie from Romania has been working with Ukrainian Toader Sarbu to distribute food, clothes and gifts from Jersey Mustard Seed.

The charity has been providing aid since the invasion started.

Mr Sarbu said without the aid from Jersey, villagers would "struggle to live", and that they would queue for hours ahead of the supplies arriving.

He said: "I am always moved by the villagers who queue to get the food we give them.

"Sometimes they start to gather the evening before the truck arrives - but they are always grateful for what they receive."

'Make a difference'

Mr Stroie said he had been working alongside Mustard Seed for 25 years, and that all the help was needed.

He said: "When the war started we knew we had to help - the parcels and gifts from Jersey really make a difference.

"The Ukrainian army helps us take them across the border - as they know how important they are."

Mr Stroie said donators helped to "feed our poorest villagers, support our children and give our young people help".