Hammersmith Man to Embark on Epic Journey to Ukraine

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David Aukin driving medical supplies to Lviv with his friend

David Aukin (left) and Jonathan Levy (right)

October 21, 2024

Two friends including one from Hammersmith are driving a med-evac vehicle to Ukraine and they are raising funds for their mission.

Jonathan Levy 72, of Hampstead and David Aukin 82, of Hammersmith, have teamed up with the charity Driving Ukraine to deliver a 4x4 vehicle and medical supplies to Lviv, in Western Ukraine.

From here, members of the Ukrainian armed forces will take the vehicle further into the country, where it will be used to evacuate wounded people from the area.

Every 9 minutes an attempt is made to evacuated wounded person from a conflict area in Ukraine, and this is only possible with the help of donations and people like Jonathan and David.

Aboard the vehicles will be a number of donated orthopaedic and medical supplies to aid those that have been wounded.

Jonathan and David will begin their journey on 26 October, traveling 1,318 miles over three days. During this time they will travel through 7 European countries. Upon reaching Lviv the vehicle will be modified at a dedicated workshop run by Ukrainian volunteers. This will make it suitable for a combat zone before heading straight out to make a difference in the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

A previous convoy arrives in Ukraine

The pair needed to entirely fundraise enough to cover the cost of the vehicle, the journey to Lviv and the cost of its onward travel to Eastern Ukraine’s frontline (750 miles), where the vehicle will begin work. They collected £24,000 and his money will be used by Driving Ukraine to purchase even more lifesaving vehicles.

The funds raised will also go towards modifications and upgrades to the vehicle and others in the convoy, such as fitting of all terrain tyres, armouring and camouflaging.

When asked why he signed up, David, who has previously had a career as a film producer stated, “Because I know it’s the right thing to do.” He was made aware of the charity by a friend who embarked on a similar mission with Driving Ukraine.

When asked how he felt about the upcoming journey Jonathan, ,a retired accountant, said, “I’ve worked with refugee projects in the past so when David asked me to join him, I immediately said yes to what seemed a very worthwhile project. I’m not nervous, I’m excited and I’m grateful to have the support of my wife and 2 sons.”

A vehicle like the one that Jonathan and David will be driving

As an organization Driving Ukraine have so far transported 135 vehicles, and collectively raised £850,000 for Ukraine since the start of the war.

Further financial donations are vital in supporting Driving Ukraine. To donate click here.

Find out more or get involved.

Sam Puzey - Driving Ukraine correspondent

 

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