A hundred hospital beds are on their way to Ukraine’s frontlines, thanks to a Cumbrian charity.
The beds, which were brought into the county at the height of the Covid pandemic, were no longer needed.
But thanks to Kevin Farrington, of Workington’s Derwent Recycling, and Workington Rotary, they will be on their way to the wartorn Ukraine instead.
Kevin, a great supporter of the charity, alerted members of Workington Rotary that the beds were available.
Now 100 hospital beds, 100 mattresses, 80 camp beds and 100 drug stands are being driven to Ukraine this week to help to improve facilities for military and civilian casualties, many of whom are now treated on trollies or the floor.
The members, led by the club’s international chairman Ken Kirkwood, got to work.
Ken worked with Brian Earley, a former health trust director of nursing, who has supported Ukraine since 2002.
Ken said: “We’ve worked with charity Ukraine Aid to organise their transport.
“They’ll be used on the frontlines so any soldiers who are injured can be treated immediately on hospital quality equipment.”
Ken, who visited Ukraine with aid co-ordinated by Workington Rotary last year, said he was humbled by everyone who had made it possible.
He said he saw the urgent need for clinical help.
He added: “From Kevin who knew the beds would be useful, all the Workington Rotary members who have worked hard to make this possible and Brian and many others whose help has been invaluable, this is a great achievement.”
Last year, Workington Rotary delivered six dental surgery kits to the Ukraine.
Ken said: “This is what Workington Rotary is about. It’s a privilege to think we’ve helped in a small way.”
