Stretcher campaign in Stamford run by Ukraine women gets donation boost from Northampton boost
Stretchers made in Stamford have arrived in Ukraine and are in use on the frontline.
The first consignment of stretchers made by a group of Ukrainian women in the town were last month taken to the wartorn country by Jack Bon Holly.
Retired soldier and police officer Jack gave up his home and business in Stamford to volunteer as a medivac driver for Ukrainian troops and civilians.
A second batch has already been made and will be delivered in August.
The Sponsor a Stretcher campaign is being co-ordinated here by Fiona Parker and led by Liliya Natalchenko who came up with the design which is specially adapted for troops.
“The Ukraine army medics have praised the Stamford stretchers,” Fiona said.
“They like them because they are lightweight and foldable, and it’s their ambition for every medic on the frontline where Jack is to carry them.”
You can sponsor a stretcher for £20, or £25 with a personalised message sewn on, through their fundraising page.
The hard-working group received a huge boost last week when Northampton businessman Phil Smith donated an industrial sewing machine.
Former soldier Phil runs Army surplus store Combat Cellar, and on Monday delivered the machine which is better equipped to sew through the thick fabric than a domestic model.
The group has also been loaned a similar machine by a Stamford donor, meaning they can increase production in two workshops either side of town.
The group is holding an open day at the Unity Centre, in West Street, on Sunday, July 23 from 1pm to 3pm where you can see stretchers being made.
Fiona and fellow supporters of Jack’s mission will also run a stall at the Diversity Festival in August after raising £500 at the Rock on the Rec.
The campaign also received a boost of £270 from Georgina West, who recently hosted a group of friends ina Show and Tell evening. Georgina and her friend Katherine Wii had got to know Natalia Yakovelva, a Ukrainian film maker who lived in Stamford for several months, so decided to raise funds to help support the campaign.
