A KIND-HEARTED driver has volunteered to make the 1,500 mile trek from Cumbria to Poland to donate much-needed goods to the people of Ukraine.

When Cater Kwik boss Matthew Mayvers appealed for a truck-driver to deliver supplies to Ukraine, it was a ‘no brainer’ for driver Dave Gordon who volunteered immediately.

Millions of people in Ukraine are currently facing a humanitarian crisis and are in urgent need of supplies and relief as they face the prospect of losing their homes.

Which is why Dave Gordon put himself forward for the mammoth cross-country trek to deliver aid to those most in need.

"As we have seen the situation in Ukraine for civilians has become horrendous especially for children,” he said.

“Over last couple weeks I've seen the appeals for aid and the lorries heading out and when Matthew mentioned his plan to me it was a no brainer for me help and put myself forward to take the aid to those who need help.

“I feel proud to work for a company willing to put the aid and journey together proud and humbled that my boss Matthew thinks and trusts me highly enough with very important journey.

“I'm looking forward to settling off on Monday and keeping you all updated throughout the journey."

Mr Mayvers has joined forces with Charnley's Homes and Gardens owner, Marc Charnley, to appeal for funds and supplies from the public ahead of Dave setting off on Monday.

The pair is hoping to fill their truck ready for driver Dave to make the 40-hour journey to the Ukraine/Poland border and drop vital supplies off for refugees.

Explaining why he wanted to get involved in the humanitarian effort, Mr Mayvers said in a video posted online: “I am sure you have all seen on the news, the crisis that’s happening in Ukraine.

“It is really upsetting and I feel like I need to do something.

“You’ve helped us before, the good people of Furness have helped us before, and I just thought we could reach out again.

“With that, we’ve got a truck which is going to set off on Monday, the ferry’s booked, it’s a 40-hour trip ending in Krakovets at the Ukraine and Poland border. We would like you to donate to fill a big truck up.

“Massive thank you goes out to superstar Dave for volunteering to do this. He’s one of our best drivers and straight away, he didn’t ask twice, he just put his hand up.  He’s going to keep us posted every day about how far he’s got, his experiences and what he sees.”

Mr Charnley added: “It is a tremendous effort to do this. It’s like 40 hours driving.

“It’s times like these that we get to show everybody that we can do our little bit to help.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed with the response. We’ve only got until Monday but we’re well on track.”

If you would like to donate to the appeal, you can drop goods off at Charnley’s Home and Garden Centre in Dalton or the Old Brewery in Ulverston every day from 9am until 5pm.

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/furness-ukraine-appeal

Here is a list of supplies the team is currently appealing for:

(soaps, shower gels, shampoos and hair conditioners, hair brushes

toothbrushes and toothpaste, for children and adults)

•Antiperspirants and deodorants (mainly for women but also for men)

•Face creams and tonics, hand creams for women.

•Sanitary towels, tampons, panty liners

larger sanitary pads for women in puerperium and nursing pads ( breast feeding pads)

•Wet wipes, nappies of various sizes, tissues, cotton pads

•First aid kits (bandages, gauze and swabs, tourniquets, plasters, disposable gloves)

•Anti-pain, anti-fever and anti-inflammatory drugs for children and adults.

•Vitamins for children (something for coughs, sore throat, stomach problems, nasal drops.)

•Colouring books and crayons/markers/

small puzzles/small soft toys/ cuddly toys

• Sweets: chocolates, bars, snacks, etc

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