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Apr 2023

Last Updated: 06/04/2023

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'Just one more trip' for Knaresborough's Ukraine aid hero

by Vicky Carr

| 06 Apr, 2023

A Knaresborough man who has just returned from his seventh aid trip to Ukraine has said the next visit will be his last.

Retired lorry driver Bob Frendt has been taking a lorry loaded with medical equipment and other supplies to the west of the country since Russia's invasion last February.

His latest trip saw him deliver a letter from Knaresborough Town Council to the mayor of Volodymyr proposing a twinning agreement, after Mr Frendt's trips established a connection between the towns.

He also took with him mobility scooters, walking frames, crutches and other vital equipment for the hospital – as well as 200 Easter eggs. They had been collected by Knaresborough women Stacey Worrall and Joanne Notman with support from family and friends, to ensure young hospital patients will not go without a chocolate treat.

On arrival at the hospital in Volodymyr, Mr Frendt was asked to deliver the eggs to the children himself. He said:

"They were overwhelmed. Because they weren't expecting it, the kids couldn't believe it. I bet they haven't had chocolate since the war started – they were just over the moon, they were blown away by it.

"There was one little girl who was about three. She was really ill. I gave her the Easter egg and you would have thought I was giving her life itself."

Mr Frendt had planned to make this his last aid trip to Ukraine, saying he was "shattered" after more than a week of travelling and deliveries.

The lorry's MOT in February cost £4,000 in repairs. Mr Frendt was only able to get it back on the road by using his overdraft, and his wife Maureen's. He planned to sell the truck after his next trip in order to clear their debt.

School appeal

However, during the meeting at the mayor's office, something happened to change his mind. He said:

"I got introduced to the principal of the school which had been shut for a year because at the start, all the men teachers had to go into the army and all the women packed up their kids and legged it.

"They heard what I had done for the hospital and wanted me to do the same for the school.

"When it was shut down, the military took all the technology, so they're absolutely beside themselves and desperate for laptops, computers, monitors, routers – anything to do with IT. They want a 3D printer and everything to go with that, and they want language course stuff to teach English.

"The school was damaged by artillery. They were given funding by the government to rebuild the school, but no funds for equipment or refurbishment. They want about 500 litres of paint and varnish for the floors."

Unable to say no, Mr Frendt has agreed to do what he can to get what the school needs and plans to set off for his final trip on May 25.

Bob Frendt, in blue, with teachers from the school in Volodymyr

The school also asked for 10 footballs and 10 basketballs for sports lessons. Since returning less than a week ago, Mr Frendt has already sourced 40 of each, but is still seeking sports kits so the teams can play in suitable clothing.

He also still needs as much IT equipment as he can get, and paint and other supplies to make the school a better environment for learning.

And, as he left the mayor's office, Mr Frendt was given an unusual request. He said:

"The parting shot was, 'if you've got any fire engines lying about, we'll take them – the army have nicked ours'.

"The military had commandeered the town fire engine, leaving them unable to fight any fires, so they have to let any that happen just burn out, leaving residents and businesses homeless."

Mr Frendt said he is hoping to arrange an appointment with Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe to see whether an unneeded fire appliance could be given to Volodymyr.

If so, he said he will drive it there himself and fly home, as well as completing his final aid trip in May.

Anyone who can help Mr Frendt with equipment for the school, or funding to cover the £2,500 costs of each trip to Ukraine, can call him on 07836 514952.

Support for plans to twin Knaresborough with town in Ukraine

Toys donated in Knaresborough reach Ukraine in time for Christmas

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'Just one more trip' for Knaresborough's Ukraine aid hero

School appeal

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