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Soldiers from Ukraine sent their thanks to former Nottinghamshire police officers a year after the country was invaded by Russia. Retired officers Simon Blincow and Rob Taylor delivered vital supplies to the war-torn state in December.

The couple joined a convoy of vans and ambulances packed with power generators, as well as clothing, toys and other items just before Christmas last year. The generators will soon be transported to eastern Ukraine and have been kindly received.

A message sent to Simon, from a soldier in the Ukrainian army, read: “In a few days we will go east and give this generator to our soldiers there. Thanks for your help.

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“Together we will win. Slava Ukraini (glory to Ukraine).”

Simon, who worked as a sergeant in the road police and operational support unit, said: “It was great to get this message and it’s that kind of appreciation from the soldiers and other people in Ukraine that makes it all worth it. The situation in eastern Ukraine remains extremely critical and it is heartbreaking to see the scenes of devastation.

“That’s why we were determined to put our experience as police officers to good use and help out in any way we could.”

Simon and Rob visited the Ridni Children’s Home in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, where they handed out 80 winter coats, paintings, soft toys, sketchbooks and Legos to young people who have been displaced since the Russian invasion ago. one year.3 The vehicles also stayed in Ukraine and were delivered to the east and south of the country to assist in the ongoing humanitarian effort.

The visit late last year was Simon’s fourth visit to Ukraine, having previously traveled with another former police officer, Martin Foster, delivering supplies widely within Ukraine. The three former officers are looking to make more trips. Current and former Nottinghamshire Police employees have donated hundreds of items which have been collected from collection points within the force and passed on to Simon and Rob.

A Nottinghamshire resident has also donated a generator, who wishes to remain anonymous, after reading about Simon and Rob’s mission in the local media.

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