The founders of a digital HR consulting business have returned to the UK following a 3,000-mile return trip to the Ukraine border, from where they brought back 17 refugees.
Jeremy Russon and business partner Alan Walker from London-based Udder drove through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany before reaching the Poland/Ukraine border where they collected several families who had gained visas for the UK via a partner charity.
They were struck by the stories of the refugees, including an amputee named Sasha, whose wife was also disabled, and a six-year-old girl and her mother who had been kicked out of their apartment in Ukraine by Russian troops just days earlier.
Jeremy said:
“It was an absolute privilege to play a part in this trip. Nothing can prepare you for hearing such stories and it was physically and emotionally exhausting. We discovered that the six-year-old girl liked the movie Frozen, and within minutes the whole bus was singing Let It Go. It was a peaceful and happy moment in what has been an extremely traumatic time in their lives.
“The girl and her mother were at home just a few days earlier, when Russian soldiers invaded their property and told them they needed it for barracks. That’s what these people are going through – thankfully they have hope of some kind of future now they’re in the UK.
“It’s surreal being back but it’s hard to get any work done as I’m still recovering and coming to terms with everything. People have been coming up to me offering support for future trips… it’s exciting to think we could do more.”
Alan and Jeremy, the founders of Udder, set out to raise £2,500 for the voyage and further supplies but ended up receiving more than £8,500 in online donations.
Alan added:
“We were blown away by everyone’s contributions and messages. We said before the trip that some things are more important than work, which is why we gave up a week of business to go. Having returned to the UK I can certainly say I agree with that statement… seeing the hope that came into the lives of people we helped bring to the UK is something I’ll never forget.”
Find out more about Udder visit udder.rocks