Two men from North Yorkshire, Mark Farrow and Stephen White, have received Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s backing as they continue their mission to support Ukraine. The duo has been raising funds to buy and deliver four-wheel-drive vehicles to the war-torn country, where they are converted into military ambulances.
Their efforts, which are supported by the Ukrainian community in North Yorkshire, highlight the ongoing solidarity with Ukraine.
North Yorkshire aid to Ukraine
On February 27, Farrow and White will undertake a new journey across Europe, this time delivering a four-wheel drive pick-up truck to Ukraine. This will be their second vehicle donation in collaboration with Driving Ukraine, a charity focused on providing useful aid to the country. When the vehicle arrives in Ukraine, it will be further developed into an ambulance that can evacuate injured soldiers and civilians from the frontline.
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Sunak under the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme recently met other members of the Ukrainian community who have settled in North Yorkshire with the duo at The Station in Richmond. The scheme was started as a response to the 2022 invasion by Russia, allowing British citizens to house refugees from Ukraine.
In praising their contribution, Sunak mentioned that he has noticed the massive amount of support they are getting from the locals, especially the Ukrainians.
“What Mark and Stephen are doing with Driving Ukraine to provide practical help for the country during its battle for survival is tremendous.” Sunak stated.
A mission of hope and unity
Farrow also appreciated Sunak’s encouragement while remarking that the Prime Minister had sent a letter to commend them after their maiden visit to Ukraine, which he found very supportive.
“It’s great to know we have his support and that of the local Ukrainian community,” he said.
In a display of support, Sunak inscribed his signature on a Yorkshire flag, which Farrow and White will carry with them on their travels. Subsequently, he acknowledged the attendance of Taras and Iryna Borshchenko, the Ukrainian couple who moved to the UK under the visa scheme and currently operate a cafe at the swimming pool.
He conversed with them at Richmond Swimming Pool, where they shared with him their visions for taking their business to the next level, highlighting how the Ukrainian community in North Yorkshire is active and growing. Aside from his local commendation, Sunak also offered Farrow and White his national recognition for their endeavour and spoke to the parliament encouraging them to do more in support of Ukraine and its people.
As the pair prepares for their next journey, their mission stands as a testament to the need for locally sourced support, putting the “community” in “community center,” meeting the needs for assistance in times of crisis, however major or minor they may be.