As the final load of our April Arctic shipment was being packed, a familiar sight rolled into view - John and Jeanette, their trusty campervan brimming with aid, had arrived once again from Eastbourne. Every month, without fail, they make the long journey, their van carefully packed with donations that seem to anticipate every item on our wish list. This time, Jeanette's lovingly knitted baby clothes added an extra layer of warmth - in more ways than one.

​

Over a welcome cup of tea with the volunteers, Jeanette shared the story of how their journey began.

​

"I've always knitted for charitable causes," she said with a smile. "Before COVID, my premature baby knits went straight to Pembury Hospital. During lockdown, with more time on my hands, I kept knitting - only to find the hospital could no longer accept them. It was disheartening."

​

At around the same time, news of the conflict in Ukraine dominated the headlines. For John and Jeanette, it was impossible to look away.

​

"Night after night, we watched," Jeanette recalled. "One moment there were explosions' the next you'd see elderly ladies sweeping the rubble off the streets. Their resilience was incredible. Who wouldn't want to help people so determined to help themselves?"

​

When they heard there was a baby boom in Ukraine, something clicked. Jeanette's knitting could find a new purpose. Together, they began gathering aid - clothing, medical supplies, essentials - anything they could lay their hands on. At first, the connected with a London-based group shipping supplies to Ukraine. When that group sadly folded, it was John who stumbled upon New Forest for Ukraine on social media. They reached out - and the rest, as they say, is history.

​

"And here we are," John said, glancing at Jeanette with a grin. "Nearly three years on, still collecting and delivering aid from East Sussex. We've made so many friends through this - and knowing the donations are getting directly to those who need them keeps us going."

​

As they prepared to head back home to Eastbourne - their van now empty but their hearts full - they were united in their determination.

​

"We're not stopping any time soon."