Stamford medivac volunteer driver arrives in Ukraine to join Project Konstantin with the Stamford 4x4

A volunteer who has given up his life in Stamford to join a humanitarian project at the frontline has arrived in Ukraine.

Jack Bon Holly will serve Project Konstantin as a medivac driver to distribute medical aid and supplies, and evacuate wounded troops and stranded civilians away from the front.

He has made the journey in a second-hand all-terrain vehicle, the Stamford medivac 4x4 – named after the appeal to raise funds and aid – which has been converted into a makeshift field ambulance.

Peter Fashey, a South Africa medic who is helping the Ukrainian army, is leading the project and posted a video directly thanking the Stamford Mercury and people of Stamford for helping to buy the 4x4 and for their donations.

“Jack has driven a far way and has only got here with all of your help,” he said.

“We want to say a massive thank-you to Stamford. The love and support you are showing Ukraine is incredible.

“And thanks for supporting Jack – we can’t wait to receive him. We are very, very proud.”

More repairs to the Pathfinder in Poland and a long wait at the Ukraine border at Shehiny delayed Jack’s progress, but he finally arrived on Saturday after a 30-hour journey.

From there he headed to Gostomel to meet Natasha Yakovleva, a film producer who has returned to her native country from Stamford.

There she filmed Jack, a former soldier, for a documentary before he set off to meet up with Project Konstantin.

“It was a very emotional day, and being so tired did not help,” he said.

“Fortunately, the film crew were brilliant and put me at ease, making the process and being the centre of attention much easier than I was expecting.”

He added: “I have travelled the world, stood on every continent and have friends almost everywhere imaginable, but never before have I experienced the love, friendship and support I have found in Ukraine and from the Ukrainian people.”

For latest updates from Jack and Project Konstantin, visit www.facebook.com/groups/stamfordmedivac4x4 and visit www.gofundme.com/f/stamford-medivac-4x4-for-ukraine to donate to the fundraising campaign.

The drive to provide more Stamford 4x4s for Ukraine and aid is now being run here by volunteer Fiona Parker. More than £7,700 has been raised of an initial £15,000 target.