Devon aid convoy team urges bay to twin with Ukrainian city

'It brings enormous credit to Torbay'

Twinning with a city in Ukraine for the New Year would bring ‘enormous credit’ to Torbay, according to supporters of a successful aid convoy which reached the war-torn country just before Christmas.

Eight volunteer drivers formed a convoy for the 1,000-mile journey across Europe from Brixham, taking more than three tonnes of urgent medical and humanitarian supplies. The vehicles included two ambulances.

The convoy was given an emotional send-off by supporters, family and friends of the drivers, along with hundreds of local volunteers who had been fundraising, collecting, sorting and storing items of essential supplies.

A spokesperson for the Brixham Future community interest company, which co-ordinated the project, said: “Our eight local heroes delivered critical medical supplies including antibiotics, first responder trauma kit bags and other items to help relieve the pain and suffering of the injured. More than 50 wheelchairs, hundreds of crutches and essential items were delivered. This included personal hygiene items and warm clothing to help cope with the Ukrainian winter when temperatures often fall to minus 20 degrees.

“We are glad that our local volunteers have returned safely to Brixham and their loved ones after such a dangerous journey. They are true local heroes and should be recognised as such.”

Local people in Brixham raised more than £40,000 in just four months to support the convoy, with volunteers preparing the fleet of vehicles for the arduous trip.

“There was no shortage of local people willing to help,” said the Brixham Future spokesperson.

“And as Brixham is part of Torbay, surely Torbay Council would consider some way of recognising the amazing achievement of these individuals and the hundreds of local supporters who helped make this convoy such a success? It brings enormous credit to Torbay, attracting considerable media attention.

“Perhaps Torbay Council would consider twinning with Sumy in Ukraine, where the medical supplies were delivered to?”

Torbay Council leader David Thomas (Con, Preston) said the convoy had been an ‘incredible achievement’.

He said: “To have raised over £40,000 and delivered more than 3,000kg of vital medical and humanitarian aid is an extraordinary achievement and something that everyone connected with Brixham should feel immensely proud of.

“It’s a wonderful reflection of the generosity and compassion that exists across Torbay, and it once again demonstrates how our communities come together when others are in need. I am delighted to hear that all of the volunteers have returned home safely, and I join you in recognising them as true local heroes.

“Your work brings enormous credit to Brixham and to the whole of Torbay.”

He said twinning with Sumy was a ‘thoughtful suggestion’, with Torbay already twinned with Hamelin in Germany and Hellevoetsluis in the Netherlands.

But, he added: “Experience has shown that while twinning can be a great way to build international friendship, it requires significant ongoing resources, commitment, and two-way exchanges to deliver real benefits. That can often be challenging for both councils involved, especially in the current financial climate.”

However, he said the council’s officers could explore alternative ways for Torbay or local community groups to show support or build informal links with Sumy or similar areas in Ukraine.

The eight local Brixham volunteer drivers were Jonathan Parr (team leader), Richard Parr, Peter Plummer, Chris Kennedy, Roger Ames, Daniel Adamski, Rich Rubensaat and Sean Castle.