A hockey goalkeeper has seen the 'heartbreak' that Russia's war on Ukraine is causing with his own eyes - but it isn't stopping him heading back to the border to offer more help.
In March, Jon Dann drove the 18-hour, 1,145-mile route to the Polish town of Medyka, where he helped deliver supplies to those desperately trying to flee. However, he wasn't done there, and having joined up with local charity Hertfood, just two weeks later was able to help send another five vans out - all full of supplies.
Whilst that convoy was on its way, Dann was liaising with a Polish couple about establishing a supply route to a hospital in Ukraine. He duly made the "nerve wracking" journey across the border by himself, successfully delivering insulin, defibrillators and essential medical supplies.
“It was kind of heart-breaking," Dann told The Mirror . "On the way to the hospital there were trucks dropping off armed personnel at houses. You’re seeing that with your own eyes and your heart sinks.
"They are very stoic [the Ukrainian people], when I got to the hospital they were very proud of what they’ve done - they were basically were clearing two floors in readiness to accept casualties. But there was worry and you could feel that coming through."
Dann also described the mood in Medyka, as the intensity of Russia's invasion shows no sign of slowing: "The Poles and Ukrainians there are on edge, there’s stories of Russian people trying to break through the lines. There’s an element of paranoia and you can feel the nerves in the air."
Regardless, Dann and Hertfood are currently co-ordinating what he describes as the most "ambitious run yet," involving three vans and two cars. This time however, two of the vehicles will be left in the Ukraine for civilians to use accordingly.
Dann will be driving his own car this time, picking up a fellow volunteer on the way, and explained: "We are also embedding a team at the hospital to help them deal with the effects of trauma. And we will be focusing on the young and vulnerable.
The Southgate HC keeper has had to arrange his own funding for the trips thus far, and also thanked the general public for their support: "As we were packing the van for the first trip, me and the other half were just overwhelmed with the support of the local community," he added.
"There were hundreds of donations of both essential items and money. It was so helpful as the trip did cost about £1200." The project is still seeking more funding, and anyone wishing to help or donate can do so via a gofundme page.
Dann, who previously served in the ministry, added that people could visit the Hertfood Facebook page for updates, and also said the volunteers were looking for "tourniquets, foil blankets, toiletries, female sanitary products, nappies and medicine" to deliver.
His latest venture comes when fighting in eastern Ukraine is expected to intensify, as Russia continues to refocus its efforts there, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). More than 1,800 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began on February 24, according to the Office of the U.N High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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