Family of Cheltenham aid worker killed in Ukraine arrive in country
Chris Parry's mum, dad and sister are helping to deliver humanitarian aid
The family of a Cheltenham man killed in Ukraine are carrying on his work by helping those in the war-torn country.
28-year-old Chris Parry died alongside fellow volunteer Andrew Bagshaw in January 2023.
His mum, dad and sister arrived in Ukraine yesterday, after setting off in a four-vehicle convoy on Saturday.
Mum Christine said they raised money to buy a vehicle through their JustGiving page: "A gentleman called Fynn Watts has purchased a Mitsubishi Shogun. This is his twelfth convoy out to Ukraine.
"We, with a convoy of four vehicles and six other drivers, have driven the Mitsubishi and the other vehicles from Oxford to Ukraine.
"These vehicles are transformed into medical vehicles, sort of mini ambulances, to actually evacuate people from the frontline. So it's an incredibly worthwhile cause."
The family say the vehicles have been "piled high" with medical equipment and other essential items.
Christine adds that they "want to do everything in their power" to support the people of Ukraine: "We want to hopefully get a further vehicle out here because it's so, so important. They are up against it out here and they need all of our help."
Mr Parry's dad Rob, who travelled to Ukraine in a convoy back in July, said: "They need 4x4's as an essential item to get injured soldiers, personnel or civilians out of an area which an ambulance couldn't get to."
An emotional journey
Rob, adds: "We are literally travelling in Chris' wheel tracks because we know how he travelled out here and the places he went to.
"It's heart-breaking to see the devastation out here in places. It's such a beautiful country and the people are so generous and welcoming."