Frontline update from Somerset man helping train fighters in Ukraine
"The artillery shelling in the background is constant, but unless the roof and windows are shaking it's not too bad we just turn up the volume on Greatest Hits Radio and wait for it to pass"
Last updated 20th Apr 2023
Somerset's Steve Brooks has been giving us an exclusive update from Ukraine - admitting keeping in touch with people back home is tricky and he's living with constant shelling in the background.
The former army medic from Shepton Mallet is helping train people in battlefield medicine - as many of those fighting had no military experience before the invasion.
Last month we reported the 47 year old was returning to Ukraine for a third time as part of a team taking emergency medical supplies and teaching life-saving skills.
Steve and team raised more than £2,500 to help fund the trip and equipment - but warn donations are still needed] ([https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/saving-the-lives-of-those-fighting-in-ukraine ) and say money will continue to be accepted while they are away to help with their relief effort.
He said: "We have now gone operational and will be working to recover wounded from the area and training new medics as and when we can.
"We are well apart from the constant shelling in the background."
Steve and the team have also been helping local emergency services in Ukraine as they respond to incidents.
He continued: "We are operating in the south of the country and all the talk is about the upcoming offensive, but no one knows when or where it will begin.
"The Ukrainian forces have come a long way in a year and despite taking a lot of causalities over the Winter remain motivated and they have a quiet air of confidence that was not there last year.
"Keeping in touch with everyone back home is difficult at times, we have no electric right now and mobile data is patchy at best. Electricity seems to be Ok at the moment.
"The artillery shelling in the background is constant, but unless the roof and windows are shaking it's not too bad we just turn up the volume on Greatest Hits Radio and wait for it to pass. The rocket attacks are not fun because you get no warning before the first one hits the ground.
"We are working alongside a unit of volunteer special forces, these guys are amazing. They conduct behind the lines operations to gain intelligence and provide the Ukrainian army references for their mortar teams and military attacks.
"Unlike the Russians they will not target any civilian targets and take great efforts to ensure their information is correct."