A group of volunteers from Greystones is setting out on a 3,500 km journey across Europe, to deliver essential aid and vehicles to war-torn Ukraine.
This dedicated team is bringing life-saving supplies to a nation still grappling with the effects of ongoing conflict.
At the heart of the convoy is an ambulance generously donated by AllView Healthcare, an Irish company co-founded by Greystones native, Eoin O’Reilly.
Eoin, who serves as CEO of the company, explained the motivation behind the contribution.
“As a healthcare company, we are deeply aware of the needs of the ill and vulnerable. It’s our responsibility to assist those in urgent need,” he said.
AllView Healthcare, based in Carrickmines, is Ireland’s largest dermatology service provider, with clinics located throughout the country.
The ambulance, which is fully equipped with vital medical supplies, is destined for a pediatric hospital in Ukraine.
Eoin himself will be behind the wheel, driving the ambulance alongside a group of friends, many of whom are also from Greystones.
This journey is part of a larger convoy, which includes utility vehicles such as SUVs, a minibus, and a truck, all filled with nearly €500,000 worth of essential aid for the people of Ukraine.
In total, 22 men will be driving 14 vehicles, each loaded with critical medical supplies. Their route will take them through Belgium, Germany, and Poland, before finally reaching Ukraine.
The mission has been organised by Sammy Byrne and Finola Harrington, the founders of two philanthropic organisations, Jeeps for Peace and What About Us.
The team aims to deliver the aid to Ukraine’s frontlines, where the need is most urgent.
According to Byrne, the situation on the ground is dire, with the average lifespan of a four-wheel-drive vehicle in frontline operations lasting less than three months due to the intensity of the fighting.
These SUVs play a vital role in transporting injured soldiers from war zones and assisting field hospitals, making them indispensable for delivering medical supplies in such high-risk environments.
The convoy has received generous support from various organisations and companies, including AllView Healthcare, PetStop in Carrickmines, Caterhire in Sandyford, all major private hospitals in Dublin, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
These contributions have helped fund the €500,000 worth of supplies that will be delivered to Ukraine.
For security reasons, the team has not disclosed the exact route they will take or the specific locations where the vehicles and supplies will be handed over in Ukraine.
The convoy left Greystones on Thursday morning, September 26th, following a heartfelt send-off at St. Patrick’s Church.
The event included a special blessing and a moving performance by a choir from St. Patrick’s school, adding a poignant touch to the volunteers’ departure.
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