Northern Ireland

Lorries take Ukrainian aid from Pomeroy to Poland

John Hurson (left) pictured with volunteers in Pomeroy before three lorry loads of Ukrainian aid left the village for Poland at the weekend
John Hurson (left) pictured with volunteers in Pomeroy before three lorry loads of Ukrainian aid left the village for Poland at the weekend John Hurson (left) pictured with volunteers in Pomeroy before three lorry loads of Ukrainian aid left the village for Poland at the weekend

A Co Tyrone community has pulled together to help stricken refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

A three-lorry aid convoy packed full of essential goods left Pomeroy for the Polish - Ukrainian border on Sunday.

The lorries were expected to deliver their cargo to a Red Cross distribution centre in Przemysl, which is close to the border and a meeting point for people running from the conflict.

The collection was organised by Pomeroy Men's Shed and supported by communities across Co Tyrone while transport was provided by local firms Paul Murphy Logistics and Rocwell Water.

Well-known Co Tyrone based humanitarian aid worker John Hurson is one of the volunteers who has given up their time to drive the goods across Europe.

Mr Hurson said the convoy consists of a range of goods including dried food, clothes, bedding and medical aid.

Toiletries and other health products have also been gathered up.

He said people have been moved by recent images of hardship suffered by refugees.

"The images people have been seeing over the last couple of weeks have spurred everybody on to action and there is not a town that has not done something," he said.

Mr Hurson added that there has "been an incredible response" to the call for aid.

"People have pulled together," he said.

Mr Hurson has previously taken part in three aid trips to Gaza and one to the French port of Calais.

He said it was an easy decision to travel to Poland.

"Having done it before I know there is a need and you are raising awareness as well," he said.

"I was only too willing to take a week off and get involved and being a lorry driver I could make some sort of contribution."

:: The Irish News has partnered with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – which brings together charities including Concern Worldwide, the Red Cross and Save The Children – to raise money for refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/inews, or TEXT AID to 70150 to donate £10 plus your standard network charge.

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