MP’S JOIN LATEST TEDDINGTON HUMANITARIAN MISSION
Several MP’s joined the latest humanitarian convoy of ambulances setting off from Teddington to Ukraine carrying medical aid to assist soldiers on the frontline as well as civilian casualties.
The Teddington-based group called Mighty Convoy set off earlier this week with five second hand ambulances purchased through £35.000 of fundraising donations. They returned early today.
The ambulances, which are left in Lviv, to be deployed by local military commanders, carried ten hospital beds as well as vital supplies such as dressings, scrubs, medical gel and surgical wipes which have also been donated.
It was the first time MP’s and Scottish MP’s had joined the convoy – the 13th since the conflict began in 2022 – and their support created more awareness about the importance of such missions continuing.
Mission leader Simon Brake, who lives in Cambridge Road, Teddington, said; “Our help and support is required as much as ever – our efforts are making a big difference and the people in Ukraine are massively appreciative.”
The requirement was reinforced as Simon and the other volunteers visited a rehabilitation unit near Lviv called UNBROKEN and a drone factory and a military training centre. They also met the mayor and deputy mayor of Lviv.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in February 2022 more than 19,000 wounded Ukrainians, including children, have been treated at UNBROKEN.
The group of MP’s and MSPs who joined the mission and helped drive the ambulances Ukraine partnered with the International Christian Medical and Dental Association and the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMA) as well as Mighty Convoy.
So far, the charities together have already raised over £1.3m and sent over 150 lorry loads and over 40 ambulances of purchased and donated medical supplies worth over £10 million to provide vital medical aid to Ukraine since February 2022.
“As Russia continues to bomb civilians, towns, and infrastructure, it’s urgent that we act to help,” said a spokesperson.
One second-hand ambulance costs £7,000 to purchase, service and drive to Ukraine. You can donate to the campaign by clicking the button below.
If you wish to learn more about Mighty convoy or donate go to www.mightyconvoy.org
Alex Cole-Hamilton is 47 and Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Western, he is also the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Since the start of the full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 he has worked to uncover and frustrate Russian influence in Scotland and was officially sanctioned by the Kremlin in August 2022.
“Joining this convoy just feels like something I have to do. We could be on the cusp of a monstrous betrayal of Ukraine by the United States and as such it needs allies and support more than ever. I’ve learned a lot about Ukraine in recent years, not least from Alina a Ukrainian refugee who lived in our house for 9 months under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Her account of her own families sacrifice, conditions both on the front line and in civilian areas underscore just why Ukraine needs these ambulances and medical supplies.”
Angus MacDonald
Angus MacDonald is the MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross shire. He was in the army, then a businessman before becoming a politician in July 2024. He met Michie his wife while serving in Northern Ireland, they have four adult sons and a grand daughter.
“Ukraine needs our help. Michie, my wife, and I are very keen to do our bit. In early April a group of us from Parliament will drive non stop to Ukraine with 5 ambulances loaded with medical supplies. The Russians have been targeting hospitals and medical services and we know the Ukrainians are desperate for ambulances, both for recovering military casualties but also taking the many civilians who are injured by shelling and glide bombs to hospital. We need to raise the money to buy the ambulances and medical kit, will you please, please make a donation — your funding could save an innocent persons life.”
Danny Chambers
Before being elected as an MP, Danny worked as a vet in Winchester. He was also the trustee of a mental health charity and was elected by his peers to the body that governs the veterinary profession. He’s been involved in charitable projects all over the world. Now as an MP, he is committed to campaigning for better healthcare services as a key concern.
“Ukraine is fighting for democracy and freedom against a ruthless dictator who threatens the very values we hold dear. With US support wavering, it’s more important than ever that the UK stands firmly behind Ukraine at this critical moment in the war. That’s why I’m using the parliamentary recess to deliver life-saving supplies directly to the front lines. Since becoming MP for Winchester, I’ve worked to raise awareness about the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The chaos of war – combined with severe shortages of medicines and diagnostic tests – has created the perfect breeding ground for these deadly infections, which can’t be treated with standard antibiotics. It’s only a matter of time before these superbugs start appearing in hospitals across Europe and the UK. Supporting Ukraine isn’t just about defending democracy – it’s about saving lives, both in Ukraine and here at home. That’s why I’m getting behind the wheel.”
Paul Sweeney
Paul Sweeney has been a Labour & Co-operative MSP for the Glasgow Region since 2021. Previously, he was MP for Glasgow North East between 2017-2019. Paul is currently Labour’s Shadow Mental Health and Veterans Minister in the Scottish Parliament. At the age of 17, he joined the Army Reserves, initially serving in the Royal Signals and then the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Paul then went on to work in Clyde shipbuilding with BAE Systems and then the national economic development agency Scottish Enterprise.
“Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the world has watched on in horror as thousands of lives have been lost at the hands of a brutal autocrat and his imperial delusions. Glasgow, the region I represent, has welcomed thousands of Ukrainians seeking sanctuary and Glaswegians stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who are desperate to return to their homeland to reunite with their families. Three years on, Russia continues to target hospitals, civilian infrastructure and energy infrastructure, flouting the law of armed conflict. This means that there is a constant need for medical supplies and humanitarian aid. Those on the front line in Ukraine are not just fighting for their country, they are fighting for the future of European democracy – we owe them all the practical support we can muster.”
Teddington-based Mighty Convoy is a non-profit, run entirely by volunteers, buying second-hand ambulances and other emergency vehicles, filling them with aid and driving them to Ukraine. They have sent 44 ambulances, nine pick up truck and two refrigerated lorries to Ukraine carrying 25 tons of medical supplies, largely supplied by ICMDA
A spokesperson said; “We believe that by working together in partnership on this project we can do much more than this for the people of Ukraine.”