Selfless volunteers are clubbing together to send ambulances packed full of medical aid to Ukrainians suffering from the Russian invasion.

Michael Bot, who is a clinical lecturer working for East of England Ambulance Service, set up a charity called Pre-Hospital Care and Aid Worldwide (PHCAW) in 2019 following the migrant crisis at the French port of Calais.

And when the Ukrainian crisis began to unravel, Mr Bot, 29, knew the charity he set up three years ago would be able to help.

Gazette: Essentials – trauma bandages and critical care supplies could save the lives of war-stricken UkrainiansEssentials – trauma bandages and critical care supplies could save the lives of war-stricken Ukrainians

He said: “Our expertise lies in medical equipment, so we knew we were going to help as soon as it all started.”

Mr Bot is hoping the charity can hit their target of £5,000 so they can add to the three ambulances they have acquired already.

Their aim is to send out around six ambulances and 12 volunteers to Ukraine as well as medical aid including trauma bandages, airway equipment and critical care supplies.

Mr Bot has been a paramedic for ten years and looking after people is very much his life passion.

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The charity was set up after Mr Bot, alongside a friend and colleague, felt the level of care being provided for refugees in Calais fell short of what was required.

“We were working in donated caravans,” he said.

“We just felt we could do something better, so we set up this organisation and we’ve been doing it ever since.

“We understand the right cause of the problem and can target our help to people who really need it.”

Sourcing ambulances quickly and affordably does not sound an easy tak, but Mr Bot has gained enough experience over the years to know who the right people are to get the vehicles from legitimately.

Mr Bot said: “A lot of the equipment we use has not seen any action – much of it is from private medical companies who have got rid of their old stock.

“Often it’s about knowing and finding the right person.”

Donations to the charity can be made via the PHCAW website.