Four heroic Northumberland firefighters reach Ukraine with supply convoy

Four heroic Northumberland firefighters have reached Ukraine today in their mission to provide vital supplies to the country.

Joe Hunter, Shaun Arundel, Adam Elliott and Thomas Edwards-Clay of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service will hand over two fire engines and thousands of items of life-saving kit to the Ukrainians later today.

The team are part of a larger convoy made up of 22 vehicles that carry over 5000 pieces of aid.

The Northumberland team and the rest of the fire and rescue group left Kent early on Saturday morning to drive through France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany before reaching Poland.

In Poland, the team were welcomed by the Polish Fire Service as they prepared to cross the border with supplies.

In the afternoon of Monday, March 21 Joe, Shaun, Adam and Thomas crossed into Ukraine with the convoy of equipment and appliances, ready to be handed over.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Council Leader for Northumberland County Council, said: “Northumberland has shown it is a county that is standing with Ukraine during this heartbreaking time.

"We have come together to collect and provide much-needed items for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, and now we have joined with others across the country to provide essential firefighting and lifesaving kit for those on the front line.

“I cannot thank those firefighters from Northumberland Fire and Rescue who have travelled across countries to get this equipment to where it needs to be enough, and that thanks also extends to our residents and businesses who have come together to do all they can in this time of crisis. Thank you.”

Area Manager, Rob Clow said: “The commitment of the four members of our staff to drive so far to help our Ukrainian colleagues is absolutely magnificent.

"To be part of such a project is something they should be very proud of and something they will be able to reflect back on for many years to come.

"The true testimony to the Service is that over 30 members of staff volunteered to drive the appliances.”