Ashtead Rotary Club Secretary Jonathan Bickerdike is preparing for a 1,200 mile drive to Ukraine this April, joining a humanitarian convoy delivering generators and medical supplies to communities whose energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted during the war.

The decision came after an inspiring talk at a recent Rotary meeting, where a visiting Rotarian described his own experience travelling with a volunteer convoy transporting vehicles, generators and medical equipment into Ukraine. At the end of the talk, he issued a simple challenge: “We need more drivers.”

Jonathan’s hand went up before he had time to think twice.

A Convoy Built for Tough Conditions

The convoy Jonathan will join on 10 April consists of six used 4x4 vehicles, all destined for front line support. Their lifespan is brutally short — often just three months — due to the harsh conditions and constant risk of attack. Each vehicle is packed with medical equipment, while generators are purchased more affordably in Poland before crossing the border into Ukraine.

“You’ll have seen on the news how Russia continues to target power supplies,” Jonathan explained. “We want to take as many generators as possible. A previous trip managed to fund 51 units — I’d love to help beat that.”

Jonathan is now appealing for donations to help purchase additional generators for the April mission.

Donations of wheelchairs gratefully received (Not those on loan from the NHS)

He is also collecting wheelchairs, which are in high demand across Ukrainian hospitals and rehabilitation centres.

“I’m happy to collect any unused wheelchairs people may have,” he added. “Everything we take makes a real difference.”

How to give

Donations can be made via his JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jonathansconvoy

Three Charities, One Mission

The convoy effort is supported by three charities working together to deliver aid where it is needed most:

• UKrops

• Medical Lifelines Ukraine

• Smart Medical Aid

All sponsorship raised by Jonathan will be channeled through Ashtead Rotary Club’s charity fund, ensuring every contribution directly supports the upcoming trip.