A retired Jersey ambulance is being donated to Ukraine, to support the country during the ongoing conflict.

This autumn, two islanders will drive 1,700 miles to the Eastern European country to deliver the vehicle.

Bob de la Haye and Dr Rhys Perkins are volunteers from the charity Pick Ups for Peace, who supply infrastructure to the war-torn country.

They are planning on taking the ambulance to France via Ferry, then drive through Germany and Poland, before reaching Ukraine. 

Their journey is estimated to take 4 or 5 days. 

Bob tells us what made the pair sign up:

"We both agreed it would be a very lovely thing to do to help the very needy.

"We all read about it in the press everyday, its a remarkable situation they are in in Ukraine and anything we can do to help - we would love to help."

Bob de le Haye (left) and Dr Rhys Perkins (right) with their retired ambulance

Bob tells us how the plan all came together: 

"It's almost as it it was all supposed to happen. I got back from a college reunion, where I was inspired to help.

"I thought I'd look at the Pick Ups for Peace page and saw they needed ambulances.

"So then I thought well, why not see whether we could get an ambulance and blow me down! Jersey were just in the throws of replacing their fleet of ambulances. 

"So they allocated one to our cause which is absolutely fantastic!"

Bob de le Haye (left) and Dr Rhys Perkins (right) with their retired ambulance

The pair are also hoping to raise £10,000 to fund their journey and buy medical supplies to take with them to Ukraine. 

You can donate to their fundraiser here.

States of Jersey's Chief Ambulance Officer, Pete Gavey said he's happy to donate the vehicle: 

“I’m pleased we could offer this support, given the loss of infrastructure in Ukraine suffered during this conflict.

"I hope it will help save lives.”

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat said:

“This donation was only possible due to substantial Government investment in frontline Ambulance services.

“One has gone to Normandy Rescue; another to charity Jersey Raynet; one will go to Ukraine through Pick Ups for Peace; and others are being sold to Blue Light UK, with the proceeds being reinvested into the service."

Jersey ambulance

The Minister says the government's replacement of ambulances has cost upwards of £100,000:

“Hundreds of thousands of pounds were spent on the replacement of the entire frontline States of Jersey Ambulance Service fleet in spring this year.

“We have replaced seven frontline response ambulances, and are awaiting an eighth to meet the increased demand on the service.

“This ensures our frontline paramedics and ambulance technicians are able to work in modern, fit-for-purpose vehicles, when treating Islanders in their care – and we can pass on these now retired vehicles to good causes.”