A British man has driven a van filled with toiletries, medical supplies, blankets and sleeping bags to the border between Poland and Ukraine to help refugees fleeing the war.
Gareth Witt, from Yeovil, Somerset, collected items at a local restaurant, the Cow & Apple, as well as his son’s primary school.
After being inundated with support, he filled his van and drove across Europe to Medyka, right at the edge of Poland.
During his trip, he has also been raising money for those in need, starting with a £250 target.
That initial target was quickly smashed and he has now collected over £20,000 on Crowdfunder to help the victims of the war.
He said: “We can try to make sure this money is spent in the right places.
“The amount that has been raised is incredible.
“I can come up with solutions and buy blankets and buy things that are needed.
“It is not available here but I can travel into Poland.
“We are definitely making a difference and we are able to do that with the donations through on Crowdfunder.”
Since arriving, Gareth has been living and sleeping in his van in one of the camps that have been set up in Poland about 80 kilometres west of the Ukrainian city of Lviv.
After liaising with charities, Gareth was able to get some of the donations across the border to help people in Lviv.
He is now trying to coordinate volunteers and supplies as thousands of people walk across the border every day.
