The innkeeper of a popular Saddleworth hostelry and three of his customers are setting off on a mission this week after organising a collection in support of Ukrainian refugees.
Lee Dyer, Steve Tassaker and Steven Rigby, regulars at The White Hart at Lydgate, backed by Charles Brierley, the inn’s owner, answered a rallying call from Manchester’s Ukrainian Centre desperate for cash donations and essential items to take to stranded refugees.
And, using Mr Brierley’s Dinnerstone restaurant in Uppermill as a collecting point on Saturday, they were swamped by generous-hearted locals who provided a range of nappies, baby’s powdered milk, toothpaste/toothbrushes, women’s hygiene items, blankets, first aid kits, socks, shoes, and warm clothes.
There was also a deluge of toys for young children.
The quartet opened a Justgiving page aimed at raising £8,000 with surplus funds going to The Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal.
At a recent meeting at the White Hart, Saddleworth Rotary Club members heard of the plan and were determined to help.
They made a £300 donation towards Saddleworth Supports Ukraine.
Saddleworth Rotary Club Secretary Clint Elliott said: “Charles, Lee, Steve and Steven caught the mood of the people of Saddleworth, who have been clear in their actions of their support for the people of Ukraine.
“It was a humbling experience to watch a steady stream of local people arriving to donate whatever they could to this appeal.
“We are pleased our donation will help deliver these essential items to those who need them and hope the group have a safe and successful journey on their humanitarian mission.”
Charles, Lee, Steve and Steven will set off on the drive to Poland with the donated goods on Wednesday, heading to Medyka in Poland, one of the main crossing points for refugees.
Collectively the response can make a difference to hundreds of lives.
Anyone interested in supporting this initiative can donate through the group’s Just Giving page by searching for Saddleworth Supports Ukraine.
