North Yorkshire man heading to Slovak-Ukraine border to deliver humanitarian aid

Mike Heelan heard about follow North Yorkshireman Lewis Edwards and wanted to help

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 11th Mar 2022

A North Yorkshire man is heading out to a refugee hub on the Slovak-Ukraine border after hearing the story of fellow North Yorkshireman Lewis Edwards.

Mike Heelan, from Harrogate, and Lewis, from Ripon, have never met before, but after hearing his story about fleeing Ukraine and setting up a refugee hub, Mike couldn't sit back and do nothing.

This morning he's catching the train from Harrogate station and headed to Peterborough before getting the Stansted Express to the airport and flying onto Slovakia. He's expected to arrive later this evening.

There he'll meet Lewis and his partner Tanya.

Mike Heelan has served in the military for several years

READ MORE: Lewis' story so far

Mike said:

"I saw about what Lewis was doing in Slovakia and decided that giving a bit of money and not giving myself wasn't good enough. I just decided in that moment that somehow or another I was going to get out there and help.

"I've got time, I've got resources and I'm a calm guy. I've been in the military for a long time and I'm just under 64 and I feel very fit. I just thought why not give them my time instead of clicking a button and sending £10."

Lewis Edwards, his girlfriend Tanya, her sister and her partner travelled on foot, on buses and on trains, sometimes sleeping by the road as they had no where to stay.

The team now reside at a summer camp location and have set up a station for people crossing the border.

They are hoping to raise enough funds to support others who have made the same journey and to send back to those fighting in the war.

It was when Mike heard about what Lewis was doing that he inspired to go and help.

"I'll be moving people from across the border, into the camp. Taking people from the camp to where they're going to resettle or where they're moving on to. Anything they need, even if it gives them a little bit of a rest", Mike added.

"I'll do anything. I'm there to give me. I'm not going to hang about, I'm not going on holiday. I'm there to work so whatever they need me to do from the moment I'm there I'm going to be getting on with it."

WATCH: What the money donated to Lewis' fundraiser will go towards

MORE ON UKRAINE:

Harrogate Hospital nurse completing 2000-mile challenge to for Doctors Without Borders who are providing relief in Ukraine

North Yorkshire soldier who trained Ukrainian army doing 80 miles 'tabbing' challenge to support refugees

How to discuss what is going on in Ukraine with children and young people

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