21 journeys, 50 vehicles and a Ukraine aid mission that cannot stop
After helping raise more than £150,000, Graeme Reavley is taking his story to communities across the Borders and North Northumberland with an urgent appeal for support as winter approaches.
Retired Northumberland vet Graeme Reavley is holding a series of talks in Wooler, Berwick, Seahouses and Ednam to share the story of his 21 aid journeys to Ukraine and ask for help to keep vital supplies moving.
Free to attend, “An Evening with Graeme Reavley” will offer a personal insight into the people he has met, the friendships formed and the difference local generosity has made.
The talks begin on Friday 6 November at Ednam Village Hall, with all evenings starting at 7pm.
Since 2022, Graeme has delivered 50 vehicles alongside essential supplies through Borders Aid for Ukraine which he himself established. More than 40 volunteer drivers and a generous network of supporters have made those journeys possible.
Now, with donations becoming harder to secure, he hopes the roadshows will encourage more people to get involved.
“I have met Ukrainian people who I really care about, and I want to help them,” said Graeme. “They have shown us such kindness every time we go out. These are wonderful people who are doing everything they can to help others, despite what they are facing themselves.”
Based in Bowsden, Graeme has worked tirelessly alongside his fellow volunteers to source vehicles, collect supplies and organise the long journeys across Europe. Borders Aid for Ukraine is an independent humanitarian aid effort, with funds used directly for aid trips, vehicle costs, supplies and transport expenses.
Each vehicle costs an average of around £3,000 to buy and deliver, including fuel and ferry crossings. Volunteer drivers give their time and meet their own personal expenses, helping donations go further.
The work depends on trusted relationships in Ukraine, with vehicles and supplies handed directly to Graeme’s close friend Denys Segienko, who arranges their onward delivery to those who need them. For Graeme, the appeal is about much more than money or mileage. It is about continuing to stand beside people whose lives have been changed by war.
“The support we have received has been tremendous,” he said. “Together, we have raised more than £150,000, and I am so grateful to everyone who has donated, driven, helped with vehicles or collected supplies.
“But the need has not gone away. Financial support and humanitarian aid are needed more than ever, particularly with winter approaching. I know this is an expensive time of year for many people, but whatever help people can offer will make a difference.”
Support is welcomed through financial donations, suitable vehicles and essential supplies. Current requirements include generators, power banks, fire extinguishers, winter clothing, bedding and medical supplies.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles in sound condition are particularly useful, including Mitsubishi L200s and Mercedes ML270s, although other suitable vehicles will also be considered. Anyone wishing to donate a vehicle or supplies is encouraged to contact Graeme first to discuss what is needed.
The roadshows will also be an opportunity to thank the communities that have already given so generously and show how their continued support can make a practical difference.
An Evening with Graeme Reavley
All talks begin at 7pm.
Friday 6 November: Ednam Village Hall.
Monday 9 November: The Cheviot Centre, Wooler.
Tuesday 10 November: Berwick Parish Centre.
Thursday 12 November: Seahouses - venue to be confirmed.
For roadshow information or to discuss donations of vehicles or supplies, visit https://ba4uk.org/donate or email [email protected]
Anyone unable to attend the roadshows, or who would like to make a donation or donate a vehicle or aid, can support Graeme’s ongoing work at ba4uk.org/donate
Every contribution will help deliver much-needed vehicles and essential supplies to Ukraine.