SERVING Cheshire Police officers have embarked on a fundraiser for the emergency services in Ukraine.

Two members of the Cheshire Police Rural Crime team have taken it upon themselves to raise vital funds to support the police service in Ukraine.

Jim Clark and Rob Stordy are both serving officers in Cheshire, and recently undertook a humanitarian aid visit to Poland, where they delivered goods to Krakow before they were transported into Ukraine.

Warrington Guardian: The pair embarked on a humanitarian aid mission to Poland in the wake of the Ukraine conflictThe pair embarked on a humanitarian aid mission to Poland in the wake of the Ukraine conflict (Image: Cops for Ukraine)

Reflecting on this trip, Jim created the 'Cops for Ukraine' initiative and persuaded Rob to join him in the endeavour.

Jim and Rob said: "With the invasion of Ukraine commencing in February 2022, many of police officers became involved in what is now known as the 'Kyiv Offensive.'

"Tragically many officers lost their lives in this brutal attack on their capital city.

"We are looking to provide medical, logistical, communication and other appropriate equipment to give police officers who have been redeployed to the front line the best possible support."

The pair added: "This support will help save the lives of Ukrainian officers and give them the best chance of carrying out their duties efficiently and effectively."

When asked why they decided to fundraise for the emergency services in Ukraine specifically, they said: "Unless you are part of the police family then quite possibly this isn’t something that would cross your mind - but crimes still occur, people still need help from the police and of course the fact there is a war going on may well increase the level of criminality looking to cash in on the conflict."

'Cops for Ukraine' are hoping to raise £25,000 to send over to support those in Ukraine.

Warrington Guardian: Jim said: It only takes two days of driving to get to the middle of Ukraine, which is no distance at all, really.Jim said: It only takes two days of driving to get to the middle of Ukraine, which is no distance at all, really. (Image: Cops for Ukraine)

The fundraising page explains exactly where any donations will go, and what they will be spent on:

  • £30 could buy essential items such as tourniquets or Homeostatic Trauma Bandages to make up individually issued first aid kits.
  • £126 could buy an entire Individually Issued First Aid Kit (IFAK). These kits contain components designed to control major bleeds in remote locations. That could save the life of a Ukrainian police officer.
  • £259 would buy a large power bank that will keep vital communications equipment running when mains power goes down.
  • £850 could buy a high-quality foldable stretcher that can be used to move injured officers to safety.

The pair added: "We recognise money is tighter now than it has been, we can assure you we will use every penny carefully and with integrity keeping you updated on our progress frequently."

For more information, visit the 'Cops for Ukraine' JustGiving page.

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