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Maidstone man Kevin Tremain drives camper van of supplies to refugees fleeing Ukraine to Poland

A big-hearted electrical engineer has driven a camper van loaded with supplies all the way to the Ukrainian border.

Kevin Tremain, a high-voltage cable technician for UK Power Networks, set off from Chatham on Friday and arrived at the border between the war-torn country and Poland today.

Kevin Tremain has driven a camper van full of supplies to the border of Poland and Ukraine
Kevin Tremain has driven a camper van full of supplies to the border of Poland and Ukraine

The 62-year-old father of two, from The Street in Boxley, has now distributed the van-load of goods to refugees occupying a reception centre close to the border.

Daughter Joanne, 31, said: "We have been collecting duvets, blankets, pillows, coats, food and care packages from people in our local area.

"My dad will deliver these items to the Ukrainian people who are in need."

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Tremain family to help finance the mercy mission and raise additional funds to help those affected by the conflict, which has now driven around 1.5 million refugees across Ukraine's borders.

Joanne said: "Some of this money will go towards fuel, crossings, tolls, and all additional money will be used to purchase and provide items, shelter or food for the Ukrainian people once Kevin reaches Poland."

Supplies being organised in Chatham before departure for Poland
Supplies being organised in Chatham before departure for Poland
Supplies from Kent have been taken to a reception centre in the city of Przemyśl
Supplies from Kent have been taken to a reception centre in the city of Przemyśl

So far £130 has been donated towards a target of £600.

Mr Tremain is not the only Kent person who has mobilised to aid those being driven from their homes by the Russian invasion.

Staff from Dartford building company Callisto Construction received thousands of pounds worth of donations for Ukraine in less than 48 hours and have also set off to hand deliver them in Poland.

Director Bramwell Martin said: "The response has been amazing, overwhelming. We could not take another thing if we tried and I will just say keep keep the response up.

"People want to give and feel they are giving directly to the people of Ukraine and this is exactly what we are doing. We are giving directly to Ukraine and to the people that are being displaced."

Yesterday, dozens of people gathered for a vigil at Tonbridge Castle to show their solidarity for those caught up in the conflict.

Fighting has been going on for 11 days now - read more here on why the invasion happened.

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