Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
23
Aug
Harrogate's John Shackleton, 85, to take on 50th and final humanitarian mission
Harrogate’s very own humanitarian hero, John Shackleton, is to take on his 50th and final mission in October.
Mr Shackleton, 85, has bought, stocked and driven more than 30 ambulances to Eastern European countries and beyond over the last 34 years.
This year, he is headed for Kyiv in Ukraine. The country was invaded by Russia in February 2022 and conflict has continued since.
After suffering a heart attack, Mr Shackleton made the epic journey to Georgia last October to deliver medical equipment.
At the time, he thought it may be his last mission, but in true John Shackleton style he made room for one more.
Mr Shackleton told the Stray Ferret:
It’ll be the third trip I’ve made the trip to Ukraine.
But I definitely think it is my last; my body is telling me that. I think 50 is a good number to end on.
Mr Shackleton chops wood into logs at a unit in Starbeck, which he sells on to raise money to fund the ambulances.
However, he is soon to lose the garage and is appealing to anyone that may have a space in which he can chop the wood to ensure he raises enough money to pursue his mission.
I just need a space to chop my logs. So, if anyone has one going in the Harrogate area, could they please email me or call me?
This time, I’m also using my wagon to take people’s rubbish to the tip as another way of raising some money. I’m open to offers – again, people can just contact me.
John Shackleton
Mr Shackleton, along with two co-drivers, will set off on their journey in early October.
They planned to leave in September, but Mr Shackleton is to be awarded an MBE that month, which meant the mission was slightly delayed.
One of Mr Shackleton’s co-drivers, 64-year-old Russell Wallace, has set up a fundraising page to raise money to buy the vehicle. He hopes to raise around £30,000.
Mr Shackleton said the vehicle will be used on the frontline to transport the “dead and wounded” to a field hospital, adding:
I've got enough aid to fill an ambulance. I’ve been donated 25 wheelchairs and I’ve got lots of crutches. It’s my last mission – I need to take it all.
My contacts out there have asked if we could try and bring a four-wheel-drive ambulance – but I’m struggling to find one. If anyone knows where I could get one, I’d ask them to please get in touch.
John Shackleton on a previous mission.
Mr Shackleton anticipates the journey will take around a week, adding he is “very lucky” that his co-drivers are not pressed for time:
We’re going to take it steady. Because it is my third trip, I’ve got good friends in Kyiv, so we may even stay there for a day or two.
I expect it’ll take around a week, but it does depend on the situation in Ukraine at the time.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Shackleton, who has become something of a local legend over recent years, how he is feeling about the mission – particularly with it being his last. He said:
I’m looking forward to it – I always do. But my body is telling me it is getting harder to get myself up to the Dales to collect the wood.
It’s a challenge and I always love a challenge.
When you get older, I think it is easy to vegetate. But I think keeping busy is what actually keeps you going.
After delivering the emergency vehicle and aid to Kyiv, the three men will hitchhike to the nearest airport and fly back to the UK, where Mr Shackleton will reunite with his dog and “best friend”, Alfie.
Mr Wallace told the Stray Ferret he urges those reading to donate to the cause – and help Mr Shackleton fund his 50th and final humanitarian mission.
You can donate to the ambulance fundraiser here.
To contact John Shackleton, you can email johnshackleton@aidtoeasterneurope.co.uk or call him on 01423 871 255.
1