A lecturer at the University of Sunderland has travelled to Ukraine as part of a mission to deliver essential aid to communities impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Kate Snowdon, of the university’s paramedic science team, went to the city of Lviv as a volunteer driver with charity Drive 2 Save Lives (D2SL) to deliver medical and humanitarian supplies for communities on the front line and in emergency services.

Kate joined her dad Tom and family friend Phil Billingham on the six-day trip, setting off on October 12.

The trio took it in turns to drive the vehicle across Europe to the delivery point before returning to the UK by public transport.

Kate Snowdon is pictured on her arrival in Ukraine with her dad Tom (left) and family friend Phil Billingham.

placeholder image — Kate Snowdon is pictured on her arrival in Ukraine with her dad Tom (left) and family friend Phil Billingham.

Kate said: “My attitude is, if you have the opportunity and the means to help people, why would you not?

“There's so much suffering in Ukraine and as the war continues it falls out of the media and the public consciousness. So it's more important than ever to keep raising awareness and sending aid.

“The trip was my dad's idea initially. He's known Phil since they went to university together.

"Phil has been heavily involved with D2SL for years and has done numerous trips to Ukraine.”

Kate Snowdon packs medical supplies into the car ready for her trip to Ukraine.

Before the journey, Kate, Tom and Phil raised close to £3,000 to go towards buying a vehicle which was filled with 140kg of medical supplies.

Speaking about the trip, Kate said: “It’s been an amazing experience that’s difficult to put into words.

"It was a privilege to visit Lviv – if only for a short time.

"It’s a beautiful city full of culture, heritage and welcoming people.”

The University of Sunderland donated medical supplies to the project, including PPE for healthcare workers.

Mark Robinson, healthcare technician at the university, said: “I am proud to support initiatives like this where surplus medical supplies can be given a second life helping those who need them most.

“Through the recycling and reuse networks we have developed at the University of Sunderland, we have been able to reduce waste, divert usable equipment from landfill, and support incredible charities such as D2SL in delivering vital aid to Ukraine.”

Although the vehicle has now been donated, donations to D2SL can still be made online at https://www.goodhub.com/go/tomsnowdonukraine.