THE Oxfordshire firefighters who led a convoy of 22 fire engines to Ukraine have returned from their 'sobering' journey.
Firefighters Andy Ford, Mark O’Connor and Steve Potter spoke to this paper about the experience, and their hopes to do more in the future.
The trio set off from Oxfordshire on April 19 in a 4x4 being donated to Ukraine by Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, packed with cuddly toys donated by locals.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire firefighters set off on journey to get aid to Ukraine
The convoy arrived safely on Sunday evening, and the firefighters touched down on UK soil at around 3.30pm yesterday (April 26).
Banbury Watch Manager Mark O'Connor said: "It was an amazing journey. All the engines are there and being delivered to Ukraine, probably as we speak.
“A few teddies were given out at our destination in Poland and the rest were taken over the border into Ukraine. They were absolutely thrilled with it so that was fantastic."
READ MORE: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue vehicle leads convoy to Ukraine
After joining the rest of the convoy of vehicles being donated to Ukraine as the second wave of help being sent by the company Fire Aid, the Oxfordshire 4x4 was chosen to lead the whole group.
This decision was made by Fire Aid coordinator Mike Pitney, also a firefighter, who rode with the trio and is making sure the remaining donated teddies get to Ukraine.
On the journey itself, Mr O'Connor said: “They said it would be something we’d remember forever, and I know I won’t forget it.
“It was quite a moment when we get to the destination and see this missile launcher and everything.
"I have never been in a country that is at war or close to one so it was very sobering.”
READ MORE: Oxfordshire firefighters arrive at Ukraine-Poland border with Fire Aid
The father-of-two said he can't wait to get back to his family and to see his dog.
Steve Potter is excited to get back to his six-year-old son.
He said: "I’m feeling pretty tired but feeling pretty great to be honest that we made it. I can sleep tonight.
"When we got there, we didn’t say anything and there wasn’t a huge fanfare. Doing it was good enough.”
"That caring from the people who are doing the same jobs as you internationally really stuck with me. It is a big family really.”
Father-of-two Andy Ford is looking to get back home to a 'nice cup of tea', but highlighted that it's important not to forget the horror of the war in Ukraine.
He said: "In Ukraine they are losing fire fighters, fire stations and fire equipment.
"The fact that we were able to get the convoy from Kent to Poland without any major hiccups was great. I think that is what’s so brilliant about the fire service, everyone does what they have to do.
"That is what we do as a community, we help."
The fuel for the fire engines was funded by the UK government, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson voicing his support for the convoy.
We are sending new ambulances, fire engines and funding for health experts to help the Ukrainian people deliver vital healthcare and save lives.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 26, 2022
The UK is helping to strengthen Ukraine’s capability to make sure Putin’s brutal invasion fails.https://t.co/xazHcVUvFB pic.twitter.com/CepywALDcC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok
Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here