A firefighter from Harlow Fire Station has returned from Ukraine after a 10-day humanitarian trip delivering Christmas gifts and vital supplies to communities affected by the ongoing war.
Firefighter William Bee travelled to Ukraine alongside his father, Peter Bee, and family friend Julian Buck, continuing a mission they have undertaken for the past four years to support families and vulnerable people since the conflict began.
In the lead-up to Christmas, the team collected donations from local residents and businesses across East Anglia. Together, they delivered aid including bedding, food, clothing, sanitary items, and approximately 175 Christmas shoeboxes filled with gifts for children of all ages. Since the start of the war, the team have donated around £500,000 worth of aid to people in need in Ukraine.
The team also transported donated vehicles to support recovery and logistics efforts in Ukraine, including a recovery truck, a 4×4 vehicle and a van, each driven across Europe by members of the group.
Once in Ukraine, the donations were distributed in partnership with the Unity Hub charity, making sure supplies reached the communities most in need. The team visited three orphanages in Kyiv, where they spent time with children who had lost family members due to the war.
William added: “Visiting the orphanages was incredibly tough. We met so many children who had lost their families as a result of the war, and hearing their stories stays with you. Despite everything they’ve been through, they welcomed us with smiles and enthusiasm.
“We spent time painting Christmas decorations together and handing out the shoebox gifts, which were filled with simple things but meant so much to them. It truly breaks your heart to see how grateful they are for even the smallest gestures, and it reminds you just how important this support is.”
During the visit, the group also travelled to a fire station in Boyarka, where they met local firefighters and paid tribute to colleagues who had lost their lives during the conflict.
Reflecting on the experience, William said: “It really puts everything into perspective how lucky we are to have what we have back home.”
