Crewe company raises thousands to deliver ambulances to Ukraine frontline
By Jan Roberts
13th Dec 2023 | Local News
Three ambulances are now in action providing a vital lifeline to wounded on the Ukraine frontline, following a major fundraising campaign from a Crewe company.
Colleagues of The County Group, Crewe Business Park, threw their weight behind an appeal to buy two second-hand vehicles for transporting military and civilian casualties to hospital.
After a huge push, involving fundraising across branches nationwide, more than £20,000 was raised allowing not two, but three ambulances to be purchased and driven over loaded with vital medical supplies.
The appeal was spearheaded by Northwich couple, Paula Williams and husband Paul.
Paula is regional managing director with The County Group, one of the country's largest insurance brokers, and the pair drove the ambulances over with the help of three friends and the manager of the Burnley office.
It was an epic and emotional journey for the six, taking turns at the wheel as they made their way over on Eurostar from Kent and then through France, Belgium, Germany and Poland.
Tears flowed as the keys were handed over to a Ukrainian aid team some eight miles away from the Ukrainian border.
Paula, based at the Crewe headquarters, said: "We were greeted with hugs and gifts from such a wonderful group of deeply grateful and brave people.
"We packed as much as we could on the vehicles such as medical supplies, clothes, toys and crutches.
"They have a high mileage – one is a retired St John's Ambulance – but can still do the job and the same afternoon they were on the frontline."
Paula and Paul were inspired by their Ukrainian connections over the years.
Paul, a retired financial director, listed the first Ukraine company on the London Stock Exchange and they were also touched by their local Ukrainian GP's effort to raise money.
The County Group made fundraising for the ambulances, as part of British-Ukrainian Aid, its chosen charity of 2023 and there began a whole series of fundraisers across its 35 branches.
Highlights included a quiz staged by Sagar Insurances in Burnley, a Great Orme sponsored walk by BIS Insurance in Llandudno and car wash events at InsureTaxi in Southport.
A football match staged between The County Group and Kindertons Accident Management at Willaston White Star FC in October raised over £500 to add to the collection pot at the company's Crewe headquarters.
The ambulances arrived on the business park's Westmere Drive to cheers from colleagues who gave Paula and Paul a special send off.
The vehicles then received a blessing at the couple's local church, St Mary's in Weaverham, before setting out on their journey.
With all drivers now back safe and sound, Paula added: "The medical infrastructure has suffered badly in Ukraine and on the frontline, 4x4s are being used to rescue casualties.
"This is where the ambulances have already come into their own, transporting the wounded back to main hospitals. We continue to receive pictures from our new friends over there.
"We were delighted to be part of this special mission - and thanks to everyone at The County Group, what started off as a hope of buying just one ambulance, has ended in three now in operation and saving lives."
Anyone who can support the continued fundraising can donate HERE.
READ MORE: Crewe: Cheshire East Council officially appoints new permanent chief executive.
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