Monmouthshire County Council leader Richard John is to join a local community councillor as she returns to the Polish-Ukrainian border delivering medical aid to a charity helping refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Nearly a month after Russia invaded Ukraine, the escalating conflict in the country has led to more than three million people fleeing Ukraine, according to the United Nations, with most having gone to neighbouring European countries including Poland.

Llanfoist Fawr Councillor and former army veteran Hannah Jarvis recently travelled to the Polish-Ukrainian border alongside members of the charity Bridge to Unity embarking on a 2,600-mile round trip to deliver medical equipment including defibrillators and trauma kits to not-for-profit organisation ZSR in Poland, a group of volunteer medics providing emergency support to those crossing the border from Ukraine.

Equipment and aid delivered was purchased thanks in part to a fundraising page set up by Hannah, and after being inundated with further donations Hannah will now return to the border to deliver further medical equipment.

She will be joined on her long journey by Cllr Richard John who has volunteered to lend his support to Hannah’s efforts.

Hannah and Richard will be leaving early Friday morning, hoping to reach the border on Sunday where they will meet members of Bridge to Unity who will be flying over to assist with deliveries of aid to ZSR.

Richard added: “I’m looking forward to supporting the work of some really dedicated charity volunteers and veterans like Cllr Hannah Jarvis, who have been leading efforts to deliver medical supplies to those in need.

“It’s a 1,150 mile drive each way, so it’s going to be a long journey but we’ll split the driving between us with the goal of delivering these vital supplies, bought with the generous donations of members of the public.”

With donations still flooding in from the local community and beyond the fundraising page has proven so successful that Bridge to Unity have been able to purchase an ambulance, which they will be picking up in Polish capital Krakow before delivering to ZSR on the border between Poland and Ukraine.

Hannah has been overwhelmed with the support from the local community. She said: ““I’m absolutely astounded by the generosity of donations from members of the public and delighted this has enabled Bridge to Unity to purchase a much-needed ambulance for ZSR. I look forward to returning to Poland this weekend to deliver the ambulance, along with more medical aid which will go directly to the frontline in Ukraine.

“I’m also grateful to Richard for agreeing to accompany me to share the driving and we look forward to sharing our experience in Poland, upon our return.”

If you would like to donate to allow Hannah and Bridge to Unity to provide further support and medical aid to help on the Polish-Ukrainian border please visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1