A KIND-HEARTED volunteer has completed his second trip to Poland to deliver humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees.

Ian Mudge, a former headteacher turned handyman, has been to Eastern Europe to deliver more of the aid which pupils from Archway and Marling had collected, as he was physically unable to transport it all in his first run.

He says that he could not have achieved this without the help of the Stroud community.

Builders Nick Miles and Dan Steel lent him a van, CR Signs provided free sign writing and Warwick Car Co serviced one of the vans for free.

James and Owen provided stationery, the Crown and Sceptre supported with fund raising and allowing the pub to be used as a collection point while Bailey Paints gave one of their employees time off to accompany Mr Mudge on the second trip.

"I delivered aid to the same charity in Poland that I had previously delivered too," said Mr Mudge.

"They are collecting and giving aid to Ukrainian refugees both in Poland and in Ukraine.

"While at the charity I saw some of the work they are doing, preparing food parcels for distribution for Ukrainian mothers who have arrived in the town with their children.

"I asked what supplies they needed - I still have a small amount of the original donation to take plus funds to spend from the crowdfunding donations.

"They requested the following - medical supplies (these are taken into Ukraine and distributed on the front line), food and woman’s shoes.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult for the charity to source these items in Poland.

"The charity described some of the children as being very traumatised and were now looking to get professional psychological support for them.

"I have now undertaken two trips, and will probably complete a third if I can secure funds to pay travel costs.

"With all the help of the above it means Stroud can be proud of its efforts to support Ukrainian refugees affected by the war raging in their homeland."

For more information or to donate, visit - stroudukrainesupport.com