NOXAIDUK Delivers Two More Fire Engines to Ukraine, Taking Total to Eight

Oxfordshire-based charity NOXAIDUK has delivered a further two fire engines and vital rescue equipment to Ukraine, taking the total number of fire engines it has delivered to eight.

The latest mission saw NOXAIDUK co-founder and former firefighter James Clarke joined by three serving Oxfordshire firefighters — Corrie King, Lisa Barnes and Karen Bellcourt — on a journey of more than 1,800 kilometres from Hook Norton to Ukraine.

The team left Hook Norton on Sunday 19 July, sailing overnight to Holland before continuing by road across Europe and arriving in Ukraine on Wednesday 22 July.

The two Dennis fire engines, sourced by Upper Heyford-based Event Medical and Fire Services, were handed over for use in areas affected by the ongoing war, with one vehicle going to Stryi and the other to Sumy

Both vehicles were equipped with donated firefighting and rescue equipment, thanks to the generosity of a number of Fire and Rescue Services. Particular thanks go to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which donated hydraulic rescue equipment.

As part of the visit, the team travelled to Lviv State Emergency Service Headquarters, where they were given a presentation about firefighting and rescue operations in Ukraine and the challenges faced by emergency responders working during the war.

For Corrie, Lisa and Karen, it was their first journey to Ukraine.

‘They have not forgotten those who continue to support them’

Lisa Barnes said the trip provided a powerful insight into the realities faced by Ukrainian emergency services.

“On our final day, we visited a local fire service museum and a fire station where we handed over rescue equipment and spent time with local firefighters. It was fascinating to learn about how they operate and heart-breaking to hear how the war continues to affect both them and the communities they serve.

“One particularly sobering conversation was about the tactics now being used during attacks. Emergency responders are increasingly finding themselves deliberately targeted, with ‘dummy’ drones used to lure crews to incidents before a second strike follows, aimed at firefighters, equipment and rescue workers.

“Despite everything they are facing, every Ukrainian person we met was incredibly generous, welcoming and grateful. There was a genuine sense that they worry the world may have forgotten them.

“If there is one thing I brought home from this trip, it’s that they have not forgotten those who continue to support them — and that support matters more than we can imagine.”

‘We have a shared passion for the job’

The two fire engines were affectionately named Doris and Deirdre by the team and will be used by volunteer firefighters in areas of Ukraine affected by the war.

Corrie King said:

“In Ukraine, we handed over our faithful girls Doris and Deirdre — yes, we did name the fire engines! Both of them will be used by volunteer firefighters in areas of Ukraine affected by the war.

“We also visited Lviv, where we were given a tour of the fire service museum followed by a sobering talk from crew members about the war, how it’s affecting local people and emergency services, as well as discussions about the kit they are most in need of to help fire crews, and how NOXAID can continue to support Ukraine.

“We then had the opportunity to visit one of the fire stations in Lviv, which was possibly my personal highlight of the whole trip. Whilst we don’t have language in common, we have a shared passion for the job. This really shone through and it was such a pleasure to spend time with these amazing people.”

‘An honour to meet some amazing people’

For Karen Bellcourt, the journey was an experience she will never forget.

She said: “Sometimes life gives you opportunities you can’t pass up. This week, I was part of a four-person team, driving over 1,800km to deliver two fire engines and equipment to Ukraine.

“It’s been an honour to meet some amazing people along the way, a journey I’ll never forget.

“The Ukrainians still need our support. We are so fortunate to live in peace.”

The latest delivery brings the total number of fire engines delivered by NOXAIDUK to Ukraine to eight, alongside substantial quantities of firefighting, rescue and emergency equipment.

For the team, the mission highlighted not only the continuing practical need for equipment, but also the importance of maintaining relationships between emergency responders in the UK and Ukraine.

NOXAIDUK would like to thank Event Medical and Fire Services, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and all of the Fire and Rescue Services and individuals who donated equipment and supported the latest mission.

Their efforts continue and Hook Norton Brewery still acts as a donation’s hub for the on-going campaigns.