Hello everyone,

Ailish O’Reilly here — getting ready once again for a journey to Ukraine. This will be my fifth convoy and eighth visit since 2022, and my second trip this year, travelling with the Cambridge-based group CONVOY4UKRAINE.

Recently, I was contacted by volunteer members of a fire brigade in southern Ukraine. Their crews and fire engines have become frequent targets of drones and missiles. Their emergency evacuation vehicle was destroyed in an attack (see photos), and they now urgently need a replacement to continue evacuating civilians and carrying out their life-saving work.

We’ve set ourselves a big goal in a short time. Our original target was €5,000, but with €2,000 already secured, I’m now setting the target at €3,000.

Your donation will go directly towards vehicle costs of purchasing the replacement pickup, preparing it for the tough work ahead and providing a full tank of diesel for delivery.

Leonard's Garage, Gurteeny is preparing the vehicle. As they did with the Ford Ranger they are giving us great value on servicing, which means your contribution stretches further.

I’ll be filling the vehicle with essential aid — medical supplies, hygiene items, and warm clothing much of which is already collected. If donations allow, or if someone has a generator to spare, we’ll include those too. We all know from experience, when the power goes out, a generator can keep vital services running.

If a peace deal is reached, which we all hope is possible, in the coming weeks this aid will still be needed. These communities and the country will begin the long work of rebuilding.

No donation is too small. Every single contribution brings us closer to getting this vehicle and aid into the hands of those who need it most.

As with all the volunteers on convoy, I cover my own expenses — hotels, food, extra fuel, and flights home. While in Ukraine, I also hope to spend some time volunteering in a community kitchen.

Thank you. Perhaps this will be our last trip during war — the next could be in a time of peace.