Charity walk for anniversary of invasion of Ukraine

A charity walk in Surrey aiming to raise funds for medical supplies for Ukraine has entered its second day.

Natalia Maiveska and Ben Rogers are set to end their trek from Weybridge to Godalming on 24 February, which marks the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The walk aims to fund aid and equipment for first responders in the war-torn country, with an ultimate goal of funding an ambulance to be used on the front line.

Ms Maiveska said: "We can't just sit and cry, we have to do something."

Ms Maiveska said she felt it was important to mark the anniversary as many were still "struggling with missile attacks every day".

"For three years, Ukraine has faced an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Civilians, including children, are affected daily, and medical teams are working tirelessly to save lives," she said.

"Paramedics, emergency responders, and rescue teams need urgent support to continue their critical work."

Ms Maiveska said her brother and his family still lived in Ukraine and had been under siege from missiles since the beginning of the war.

She added that, through previous fundraising within the Surrey community, she had raised about £15,000.

The walk, which is taking place along the River Wey Navigation, began in Weybridge on Sunday and stopped overnight in Woking.

Ms Maiveska and Mr Rogers then plan to complete their 20-mile trek by walking from Woking to Godalming, via Guildford.

The pair are seeking to raise between £3,500, which would fund medical supplies, and £5,000, which would fund an ambulance.

Supplies will then be delivered to the front lines in Ukraine through the Ukraine Mission Community Interest Company.

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