TWO Dorset residents have travelled to a refugee centre in Poland to deliver essential humanitarian aid to Ukrainians.

Paul Overton and Dave Nolan made the long drive through Holland and Germany before reaching a Ukrainian aid distribution centre in the Polish city of Lodz.

The pair were able to hand out vital donations to Ukrainian refugees, including tinned food, clothing and medical supplies.

Paul, who lives in Westbourne, said: “We left on Tuesday 19th April, and we got back early morning on Saturday 23rd. We drove 2,300 miles.

Bournemouth Echo:

“We went to a centre run by a woman called Daria.

“It used to be a doctor’s surgery. She’s got the top floor which is lots of different rooms. Each room is rammed and organised with woman’s clothing in one, children’s toys, children’s clothing, dry food, pasta and so on.

“It was all very emotional.”

The trip was initially suggested by Dave following contact with the owner of the Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine group, Karol Swiacki.

Karol had pointed Dave in the direction of Eve’s Café in Poole, a unit that had become a storage point for many donated goods.

Bournemouth Echo:

Paul said: “Karol said the café would love it if we could put something together and take a load of their stuff over.”

Dave’s connections with business owners in Wareham meant he was able to secure a U-Drive vehicle to transport the goods from the café to Poland.

Read more: Ringwood man delivers donated medical goods to Ukraine

The pair also received support from Stenna Ferries, who gave them a free crossing to Holland, and Swanage and Wareham Rugby Club who donated more than £1,500 to cover travel costs.

Paul said: “They donated a brand-new van for the trip!

Bournemouth Echo:

“In the space of three days, we got a van, and we got a petrol money.

“People were so generous.”

Now, Paul and Dave plan to embark on another trip to deliver even more supplies. Paul added: “It took me about a week to recover from the trip.

“It was a challenging thing to do but we’ll take a bit more time next time.

“We’re looking at going at the end of May.”