Van brimming with donations for Ukraine arrives in Poland

The van outside the Bay Horse in Heywood

A van full of donations from the Bay Horse pub in Heywood has made its way to Poland.

Nick Wolstenholme, who owns his own construction company, and Michael Smith, landlord of the pub, have filled a van to the brim with donations for Ukrainians fleeing the country.

The drop-off point has been open for around four weeks, with donations including new clothes, sleeping bags, hand knitted jumpers for children, hygiene and sanitary products, baby formula and nappies, and even a few brand new Moses baskets.

Cost of fuel for the round trip via France, Belgium, Holland and Germany has been fully covered by Crown Oil, whilst even the boxes for the goods were donated.

Nick and Mick set off on Monday (16 May) to the main crisis centre in Medyka at the Poland-Ukraine border which has been co-ordinating humanitarian efforts.

Speaking before setting off, Nick said: “Customers at the Bay Horse brought loads in; they’ve been brill. Regulars helped us load the van and it was filled within half an hour. A good 60% of donations were brand new.

“By taking the donations over ourselves, we’re making sure they’re going where they’re needed.”