Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Rachel Keenan

Edinburgh ex soldier plans aid mission to war-torn Ukraine in his camper van

An ex soldier is appealing for donations to help him make the journey to the Ukraine border to help victims of war.

Andy Wood, 57, now runs a collectibles store in South Queensferry called the Skullduggery.

READ MORE - Edinburgh police release CCTV of man they 'wish to talk to' after Meadowbank robbery

He was a soldier for 22 years before he was made redundant and decided to open the store.

The news on the current war between Russia and Ukraine reminded him of his time in the forces.

Andy has struggled to sit at home and watch the situation unfold.

He said: “As an ex soldier myself the news about all the refugees has been really playing on my mind. So I have decided to do something about it.

“I’m going to fill up my motorhome with much needed supplies such as baby nappies and women's sanitary products.”

Andy has set up a Just Giving page to help fund the trip, he is also looking for any donations to bring with him.

He added: “I’ve done the calculations on how much it would cost for the ferry and fuel and I have started a Just Giving page to raise this money.

“The plan is to take the supplies right up to the Ukrainian border where charities such as the Red Cross are working with refugees.

“I want to help as much as possible with my trip and I will be contacting Ukrainian charities to see if I can help by taking any refugees back to Scotland with me in the motorhome.”

His plans are to close his shop at the end of May and spend five days overall travelling to and from the Ukraine border in his motorhome.

The Just Giving page has been set up to cover fuel and ferry costs but any further donations will be donated to charity Combat Stress. The charity was set up to help veterans with their mental health.

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can do so here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.