To the Frontlines: Ed’s Mission to Deliver Aid to Ukraine
To the Frontlines: Ed’s Mission to Deliver Aid to Ukraine
Viewber is celebrating the safe return of co-founder, Ed Mead, after he drove a pick-up truck laden with supplies from the UK to Lviv. Like many of us, Ed has been deeply moved by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and when approached by friend Oliver Lambert with an opportunity to make a real difference, Ed jumped at the chance.
Ed and Oliver worked with a charity called Pick-Ups for Peace, who are dedicated to taking vehicles and aid into Ukraine to support those impacted by conflict and have so far delivered over 600 trucks. The intrepid pair first set about raising funds to get their venture off the ground, starting a JustGiving page with an ambitious £17,500 target.
Essentials: supplies and sweets
With generous donations eventually topping £20,000 – many made by people working in the property industry, which Ed is immensely grateful for – a pick-up truck was purchased and painted matt green. Next critical supplies, which included thermal drones, medical bergens and Islands Chocolate to give to the soldiers as a pick-me-up, were gathered with help from the charity and kind benefactors.
With the pick-up packed, Ed and Oli set off on the long journey, taking turns to cover more than 1,150 miles. Fuelled by Haribo Tangfastic and Starbars, any feelings of bon viveur faded a little the closer the duo drew to Poland.
Sombre moments
Ed found many elements of the journey sobering, starting with a two-night stopover at Auschwitz. It set the tone for some of the more solemn moments to come. It was arrival at the Ukraine border that gave Ed and Oli their first indication they were entering a warzone.
Rather than freewheeling into the country, they were to join a huge Army-led convoy, driving bumper-to-bumper to other aid vehicles, hazards light on and no opportunity to stop. Ed likened this to a CIA-style operation with a degree of unexpected unease.
Greetings, gratitude & the Governor
Once in Lviv, spirits were lifted somewhat by a welcoming committee. Ukrainians came out in force, waving Union flags, giving the visitors flowers and making speeches of appreciation – including one from the Governor of Lviv. Ed found the sight heart-warming, but it also reinforced just how much Ukraine relies on support and supplies from outside the country.
With greetings exchanged, thoughts quickly returned to the sole reason for the visit. Although they had become attached to the pick-up, Ed and Oli knew their job was to hand over the keys and let the soldiers drive the vehicle and its supplies off to the frontline. It was a moment Ed found especially moving.
Counting the cost
With the pick-up quickly dispatched, there was time to reflect on the enormous impact the war has had on Lviv locals. Funerals here are an everyday occurrence and the cemeteries are quickly filling up – packed with mourners and fresh flags at each grave.
Ed couldn’t help but notice there were very few young men to be seen in Lviv. Sadly, it is no coincidence that the Field of Mars cemetery has doubled in size in just a year – each headstone bearing a picture of the man or woman who had sadly lost their life as a result of the conflict.
Time to reflect
Back home, there is no doubt that Ed’s visit to Lviv has left a lasting impression and has given him a new perspective on everyday life here in the UK. Signing off, Ed commented “What a trip! It should make us all feel grateful we live in the county we do; with the freedoms we enjoy. Thank you ALL so much for your support – the Ukrainians we met are unbelievably thankful to know they’re not forgotten, especially at the moment.”
Your chance to contribute
To date, Pick-Ups for Peace has sent more than 600 pick-ups, four-wheel drive vehicles, ambulances and quad bikes to Ukraine in a total of 19 convoys, and it wants to send at least another 100 vehicles. The charity needs fundraisers and drivers so if you’re looking for your next adventure, please do consider this excellent cause. You can learn more about Pick-Ups for Peace, volunteer your services, donate a vehicle and make a financial donation at its website: https://www.pickupsforpeace.co.uk/
Watch Ed’s vlog diary of his time traveling out to Lviv…
