Former Prime Minister David Cameron joined a Chipping Norton Labour councillor in an aid delivery to Poland.
After driving for over 20 hours, covering almost 1,000 miles, the pair arrived at the Polish Red Cross warehouse late last night.
Every week for the last two years, Mr Cameron has volunteered at the Chippy Larder, a food project which helps low-income families by providing surplus food from supermarket.
Joining Mr Cameron on the journey was town councillor Rizvana Poole and a colleague from the Larder.
Providing updates along the way, Mr Cameron tweeted: “In the last fortnight we’ve appealed for the things that refugees from Ukraine need as they arrive in Poland. The response has been amazing.
“The generosity of the community in West Oxfordshire - and of the British people more generally - has been typically phenomenal, stepping up to help our neighbours in their hour of need.
“I'm currently driving to Poland with two Chippy Larder colleagues to make our delivery to the Red Cross. It’s going to be a long drive, but I’ll keep you updated along the way.”
Delivery successfully made! #StandWithUkraine️ 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/0eisBor72z
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 19, 2022
On Labour town councillor Poole, he added: “Great to be doing this with the amazing Rizvana Poole. It’s a cross party effort!
“It’s her leadership, tenacity and relentless positive energy that got the Chippy Larder off the ground and made it into the outstanding community resource it is today. It’s her drive that got us here.”
The Chippy Larder team filled a small lorry with a range of medical supplies and clothing.
Note to self: next time hire a van with a spare tyre! Thank you to the brilliant mechanic in Germany who put us back on the road. pic.twitter.com/cKNI8V5rv4
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 20, 2022
After suffering an unexpected setback whilst driving through Germany in the form of a blown tire, the team arrived at the Polish Red Cross warehouse shortly after 10pm on Sunday.
He tweeted: “Solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbours being so clearly displayed on the motorways across Germany and Poland spurred us on.
“Huge thanks to all the volunteers and local firemen for their warm welcome, and for helping unload our lorry, full of essential donated supplies for refugees arriving in Poland.
“The work that the Polish Red Cross are doing around the clock to assist Ukrainian refugees is truly inspiring, and knows no bounds. They are being supported throughout by the Polish public services and local communities. It was heart-warming and humbling to see.”
The group now begin their journey back home to the Cotswolds.
He tweeted: “Thank you to everyone involved, to Rizvana and the Chippy Larder for organising, to Bruern Farms for all their hard work and support, and, especially, to those in and near Chipping Norton who donated so generously. Now for the long drive back!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here