Cobh taxi driver among volunteer convoy headed to Ukraine
Pictured with some of the fleet are Francis O’Brien, Tom Walsh, Rose Brien Harrington, and Jim Harding. Picture: Patrick Browne
A fleet of emergency vehicles that were destined for the scrapyard have been restored for a special mission to rescue soldiers wounded on Ukraine’s battlefields.
Retired Cobh taxi driver Rose Brien Harrington is among those leading the charge.
Rose is one of a number of drivers from across Ireland who will travel through Eastern Europe in everything from renovated ambulances to newly transformed fire trucks.
The convoy, which is being coordinated by the group Kilkenny Ukraine, will also see medical supplies transported to the Ukrainian border.
Jim Harding and his team from Kilkenny Ukraine received donations of unwanted medical supplies in response to a call to action aimed at GPs, hospitals, and medical facilities.
These include body bags, bandages, incontinence pads and catheters.
The volunteer convoy includes five ambulances, two minibuses, two jeeps, two five-seater coaches, and three fire engines.
This latest mission is one of several trips carried out since the organisation’s inception in late 2022.
Kilkenny Ukraine has been collecting old vehicles over the last couple of months, many of which were given a new lease of life by mechanics. The remainder will be transported by truck to undergo modifications in Ukraine.
Rose is collecting vital healthcare supplies.
“Some patients confined to bed with injuries in the lower half of their body were only being given a fresh incontinence pad every three weeks due to them being in short supply," she told the .
"My own GP has been a diamond and has really helped with the efforts.
"One hospital donated enough for us to fill a whole truck with. They seemed relieved to know that what they had left over wouldn’t have to be destroyed. We’re hoping that others might follow their lead and get on board too.”
Rose is urging the Irish people not to give up on Ukraine.
“Ukraine has more recently been overshadowed by the events in Gaza,” she said.
“What is happening is Gaza is truly terrible and inhumane. Unfortunately, we are limited in terms of what we can do for the people over there but we can still help Ukraine.
"At the moment we are looking for quad bikes because the ambulances cannot get into the bombardment zones. In cases where an arm or leg is lost, the limb has to be strapped to the rider because this is the only way of getting them out.”
Jim Harding emphasised the dire need for aid in Ukrainian hospitals
“Incontinence is a very common issue. We often think about the man getting shot in the shoulder or having his arm or leg blown off. However, we don’t often consider the impact of bowel and gut injuries. Adult nappies, clothing and underwear is all difficult to get over here.
"What nobody really thinks about is the infrastructure, particularly the electrical infrastructure over there.
"This has been badly attacked by the Russians which in turn impacts a lot of industries with high levels of production.
"A lot of factories cannot operate without a constant supply of electricity. Many are unable to operate on a stop, start basis so when the electricity is cut off they can’t resume business.”
The group is hoping to drum up even more funds and donations before leaving for the trip later this month.
“I decided I would look for vehicles of all breeds and descriptions. Minibuses, four wheel drives, ambulances and fire engines are among the vehicles that we’ll be bringing over.
"Even €200 could go towards a set of second-hand tyres for a vehicle.
"Every single penny of the donations we receive is spent on the vehicles. It’s not spent on diesel, petrol or anything else.
"The volunteers pay all their own costs.”
To donate to the organisation or find out more, visit kilkennyukraine.com
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