AN ambulance has been brought out of “retirement” and been sent to Ukraine, thanks to a campaign in Woodland to support the war-torn country.
The village has raised thousands of pounds and collected medical equipment, medicines, food and other items to support victims of the war. These have been sent to the Ukraine-Poland border through the Durham to Ukraine scheme.
Last month Durham to Ukraine organiser Jack Vincent made an appeal for anyone who knew of an ambulance going spare, prompting Simon Land, who has been supporting the Woodland effort, to get in touch with friends at MediPro, in Stockton.
As it happened, the company was replacing one of its vehicles. Kevin Scorer, head of education at MediPro, said the vehicle had been used for the training of paramedics as well as going out on callouts.
He added: “I have to say it had been used quite a lot but it is still good for service and has still got its equipment inside.
“It has been collected today and will very soon be supporting those in most need of medical attention on site in Ukraine.”
Mr Vincent was delighted to accept the vehicle.
He said: “I am absolutely over the moon today. Thanks to Simon Land who put me in touch with Ian [Bestford] and Brian [English] at Medipro.
“Today, we took delivery of the old girl thanks to the Rochfords Garage’s driver, who took great care of her on the road out of retirement.
“I’m going to name her ‘Darunka’. Darunka was born to save lives. She’s probably already saved tens of thousands in her career before retiring and helping to train future medics.”
Mr Land downplayed his role in organising the gift.
He said: “It doesn’t cost anything to ask, but I am dead chuffed – it is brilliant.”
It costs about £80,000 to replace an ambulance, Mr Scorer said.
