Bolton's mayor returns from Ukraine trip to donate vehicles

Cllr Andy Morgan, Mayor of Bolton, along with Mayors of Westhoughton and Blackrod Neil Maher and Derek Snowden, as well as David Hayes, the senior civic and mayor manager at Bolton Council delivered six emergency vehicles to Poland - to then be used in Ukraine's war with Russia.

The convoy comprised four ambulances, as well as pickup trucks, and left Bolton on Sunday afternoon before arriving in Krakow, Poland, on Tuesday, March 11.

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Cllr Morgan then flew back to the UK yesterday (March 12) in time for a full council meeting in the evening.

He said: “We’re proud as Boltonians to do our bit for Ukraine.

"As a veteran, I can relate to what they’re going through, and if we can help in any way, we will.

"This convoy of decommissioned ambulances, packed with vital supplies, is a small gesture, but it will make a real difference on the ground.

"The support from the community has been incredible, and it’s been an honour to be part of this effort.  We stand with Ukraine."
 

The ambulances on a stopover (Image: Andy Morgan)On the delivery of the ambulances, Cllr Morgan said: "Thank you to the whole team, especially Neil and the International Aid Trust, for making it happen and thank you everyone for all your support and encouragement."

Mayor Morgan enjoying the ride (Image: Andy Morgan) The trek wasn't without peril, as the team faced oil leaks and a few electrical issues on the route.

Starting off with a drive to Hull, they then got a ferry to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, before passing through Germany and arriving in Poland.

Before setting off, people from across the borough, including councillors and Bolton North MP Phil Brickell, gathered to see them off.

The three mayors before the journey (Image: Andy Morgan)

Rev Bernard Cocker, who founded the International Aid Trust charity, which organised the ambulance delivery, spoke to the crowd.

He said: "Ukrainians are the most friendly and compassionate people you could ever meet, I have so many Ukrainian friends.

“I asked someone from another Slavic nation once, ‘what makes Ukrainians so special?’

“They said that they have a saying, that Ukraine is the maternal breast of Europe.

“No matter how poor a family is, they will cook with whatever little they have to provide for you; they provide for everyone.”

He added: “All Ukrainians want is to have their blue skies and golden fields in peace.

“And we will have that peace again!”

The reverend has visited Ukraine more than 250 times.