A PENRITH man who recently returned from the Ukraine/Polish border is going back this weekend - to help with more volunteer work.

Lewis Faith spent two weeks supporting refugees who were fleeing their war-torn country.

"I have been driving refugees and volunteers around Poland, buying food and clothes for them and helping with visa applications," he said.

"Although I went out solo, I joined up with a Bristol-based charity who have managed to arrange temporary shelter for refugees in Poland whilst they wait for entry to the UK.

"Due to the level of demand I want to go back out for another two weeks."

Lewis, who works freelance in IT, was inspired to go after watching news reports.

"Just seeing the sheer scale of demand made me think I should get involved," he said.

"I have driven in eastern Europe before, including vans with passengers, so that side of things was one less issue to worry about and was an obvious way for me to help.

"I was monitoring the news for weeks before going to make sure it wasn’t an unnecessary trip. I suppose when the theatre in Mariupol was bombed it was clear then there was not going to be a quick end to the war and there was an ongoing major threat to civilians, so urgent help was needed."

Lewis flew out to Krakow, Poland, at the end of March. His plan was to hire a passenger-van and transport people from the border to safe places in Poland and beyond.

He teamed up with a British charity (Love Bristol).

"As it is taking two weeks to wait for a UK visa they are looking after and housing people while they wait," said Lewis.

"I am driving refugees to temporary accommodation organised by Love Bristol and also to the passport office, as well as doing some grocery shopping and other shopping."

He was based in Przemsyl, close to the border.

"There are a lot of Ukrainians there having to sleep en-masse in repurposed buildings.

"Considering the trauma they have already gone through, it is a matter of urgency to ensure they are relocated to somewhere less stressful.

"This is a desperately sad situation, the volunteers and charities are making a big difference."

Lewis has set up a just giving page to help support the people he is working with.

"There is a need for direct support from the public to the refugees as there is no assistance on the ground from the UK government as they wait in Poland," he said.

"My main expenses are van hire, fuel and accommodation but it would be good to do more shopping for people.

"They have left with very few belongings so it is important to help wherever possible."

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