A Ukrainian born doctor has launched an appeal to send medical supplies and aid for injured citizens in the east of the country.
This follows the news that thousands of Ukrainians have been injured and are running out of supplies needed for injuries caused in the Russian invasion.
Vitaliy Herhel, who is a GP at Binfield surgery in Bracknell has been living in the UK for 23 years with his wife and 3 children.
After sending off 10,000 different medical supplies with money gathered from family and friends, Vitaliy felt that there was more that he could do for his people back in Ukraine.
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He said: I am shocked by what is happening. Although I have lived in the UK since 1999 I still feel that I am a Ukrainian at heart.”
“It’s extremely painful for me to watch. Although my family is safe in the west of the country I have friends that are situated where the trouble is happening.”
“We sent off 10,000 supplies which includes dressings, medications, blood stopping medications and antibiotics. They have a red list of medications that are necessary. “
With a direct link to doctors and hospitals in troubled areas such as Mariupol, Dr Herhel is receiving up-to-date information on what is needed in the most affected cities.
So far, Vitaliy has raised £16, 957 which is over and above his £10,000 target.
“I’m shocked by the response of the crowd funder. It’s amazing and I’m incredibly humbled and overwhelmed,” he said.
“I wasn’t expecting it. When I set it up, I thought that anything I could get would be helpful.”
Vitaliy, along with his wife Olha and their three children joined people of different nations at the Downing Street protest on March 1.
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He added: “What they are trying to do is bring Ukraine to it’s knees and I don’t think that is ever going to happen.
“Ukraine is a nation that never ever gives up. Yes, we fight, yes, we were captured but this time the scary thing is that the Ukrainians will go to the end no matter what happens and that will cost a lot of lives and that will cause many sacrifices.”
If you wish to donate to help with dwindling medical supplies in Ukraine's worst hit areas click here
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