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07
Mar 2022
Last Updated: 07/03/2022
Harrogate firefighter Bruce Reid forced to abort Ukraine mission
Bruce Reid reached the Ukraine border last night. But after reassuring his family he would only carry out his duty as a firefighter, he decided the situation was too dangerous to proceed this morning.
Retired Harrogate firefighter Bruce Reid has aborted his mercy mission to help the people in Ukraine.
Mr Reid decided to put his skills, learned over 30 years as a firefighter, to use as part of the humanitarian response.
He booked his own flights to Poland and got to the Ukraine border last night.
But after reassuring his family he would only carry out his duty as a firefighter, he decided the situation was too dangerous to proceed this morning.
He said on social media:
"Bit of an anti climax following all of the furore getting here.
"I eventually got to the rendezvous point on the border late last night, and after spending the night on an hotel foyer floor i was this told this afternoon i would have to sign a disclaimer and make my own way 30 miles into Ukraine to Yavoriv military base were i would be taught to fight.
"That was never what I came for. On the flip side, my family are very relieved especially my 10-year-old granddaughter that I will be coming back in one piece
"I'm looking at other things I could help with but will back sooner than I thought. Thanks to everyone for all your messages of support I've been humbled by them."
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