A Norfolk business development manager who drove a donated fire engine to Ukraine on a humanitarian aid mission has returned safely following a challenging ten-day journey.
Peter Mortin, business development manager at Crane Garden Buildings, was part of a volunteer convoy delivering vital donations directly to frontline services and vulnerable communities across the country.
Peter drove the fire engine from the UK to Ukraine himself, ensuring it reached those who needed it most.
It was his eighth humanitarian visit to the region.
Over the course of the mission, the team delivered aid to eight hospitals, four ambulance services, six schools and a residential care home for children.
On arrival, the fire engine was put straight into operational use, immediately supporting emergency response efforts in the area.
The journey was demanding at times. During the mission, Peter and the team had to take shelter during Russian air raids and slept in the fire engine one night as the town they were delivering aid to was under heavy attack.
Despite the challenges, he said the experience was defined by the gratitude, kindness and humanity shown by the people they met along the way.
Peter said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated and supported this mission. The generosity of local people genuinely made a difference and every single donation mattered.
“Despite everything they are facing, the humanity we experienced in Ukraine was incredibly heart-warming. Seeing the fire engine go straight into service as soon as we arrived really brought home the impact of what we were able to deliver together.”
