Bristol volunteers help hundreds flee Ukraine war

A small group of volunteers has transported more than 700 Ukrainian refugees to escape the war in Ukraine.

The volunteer drivers from Bristol started the runs in 2022, in response to the millions of people who started seeking refuge.

Many of the drivers have given up months of their own time to drive thousands of miles.

Thousands have made the decision to leave Ukraine since Russian forces began their invasion in February 2022.

Duncan Pauly, 65, said: "It's unthinkable being forced out of your home and having to start over again.

"I have spent about 45 days driving in total so far this year.

"Each visit to Poland typically lasts about 10 days and we drive about 5,000 km (3,107 miles)."

On the return journey the bus carries aid which is transported from Poland into Ukraine.

Inna, 43 , travelled from Ukraine with her mother and young daughter.

"Being forced to flee to a foreign country with a child, it is scary," she said.

"We were exhausted by time we got to Denmark but thank you to those people who helped organise this for us."

Marcus Wells, 60, from Bristol came up with the idea of making the trips in September 2022.

"The host numbers were dropping off in the UK back then but there were still people who needed to leave Ukraine so we began to take people to Denmark," he explained.

"Finding drivers and funding has always been a challenge but we hope to continue with the work as long as there is a need."

Fund-raising for the trips has included a Go Fund me page and selling Ukrainian black bread in Bristol.

Christine Hestbech Lauridsen is part of the team of volunteers in Denmark who help coordinate the refugees' travel to Denmark and accommodation.

"Marcus and his team have been amazing," she said.

"He makes sure that vulnerable refugees who need medical help and a sense of safety are able to get that in Denmark."

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