A former soldier from Harrogate will fly to Slovakia today to help Ukrainian refugees
Mike Heelan, who served for 24 years in the British Army whilst based in Harrogate, will be supporting Ripon man Lewis Edwards and his team to run a shelter for people fleeing the war-torn country.
Mr Heelan was moved after reading the Stray Ferret’s stories about Mr Edwards, 33, and his 30-year-old Ukrainian partner Tanya Bogdanovska. They were both teachers at a school in Kyiv but fled the Ukraine capital on February 25 to set up a shelter in Slovakia.
Since then, the couple have helped refugees with housing, transport, food, medical supplies and other essentials. They have even sourced 10 armoured ambulances to protect health workers from gunfire.
Mr Heelan and Mr Edwards, who did not previously know each other, managed to connect via WhatsApp and then hastily arrange the trip at short notice.
Mr Heelan said he will go there for two weeks but may stay longer.
“I really felt I should be doing something. I’ll do whatever is needed.
“I want to help people who are suffering because of the war.”
Lewis Edwards and his partner Tanya fled Ukraine. Picture: Tanya Bogdanovoska
Read more:
- Ripon man helping Ukraine says ambulances are being shot by Russians
- Ripon family’s plea: ‘Please help the people of Ukraine’
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Former Ripon student fleeing Ukraine today to set up refugee shelter
Being human
Up to 180,000 refugees have crossed the border into Slovakia since Russia began its invasion two weeks ago.
The UN Refugee Agency has warned the total number of refugees from Ukraine may reach four million in the coming days.
Wives have been separated from husbands who are staying in the country to fight. Children have left everything they have ever known behind.
Mr Heelan said:
“They are scared and confused.
“I have got the time. It’s about being human.”
Mike Heelan
Mr Heelan said he’s grown frustrated with the UK government’s attempts to send aid to Ukraine, which he said has been stymied by red tape and bureaucracy.
But he pointed to Lewis Edwards as an inspirational example to follow.
“At a time when we need a robust, go-getting government we have a bunch of feeble-heads.
“Lewis is a young lad, a teacher, who’s managed to get armoured ambulances. He’s done it out of nothing. It’s quite amazing.”
Eyes open
At the moment, the border with Slovakia is not a part of Ukraine targeted by the Russian army.
Mr Heelan, 64, said he is not interested in fighting but is not afraid to face danger.
The stoic family man said his wife and two children support his journey.
He said he’ll be feeling some trepidation during the flight to Slovakia tomorrow, but added:
“That’s good for you. I’ll keep my eyes open.”
To donate to the Lewis Edwards Ukrainian shelter fundraiser, visit this gofundme page.
