The story

UKRAINE RIDE

In 2023 to mark his 50th birthday, rather that the usual 'bucket list' tomfoolery, John felt he needed to do something a little different which he hoped would make a small difference to some people.

​

So after a chat with Mrs W, they decided to start raising funds to purchase and take 50 advanced IFAK medical kits (It was his 50th birthday after all) on his motorcycle to Ukraine. John intended to ride the distance in less than 24 hours to highlight just how close war was to our own shores in the UK. What John believed was 1066 miles, Calais to the Poland/Ukraine border actually turned out to be 1098 miles - but did he achieve it?​

No he didn't - YOU DID!

​

On August the 24th 2023, Ukraine Independence Day, John crossed the border into Ukraine and hand delivered the IFAK kits to a soldier from the 25th Air Assault Regiment. Kits donated by friends, family, strangers, businesses, companies, individuals. Your cake sales, your raffles, your 'dunk the boss' at a national call centre, staff donations from restaurants owned by TV chefs, Biker Cafe hog roasts, the good old 'begging bowl'...

YOU achieved it! John just provided the taxi!​

​

At around £100 per kit he took 50 kits, plus an additional 47 tourniquets on the back of the good old GSA with fresh tyres donated by Michelin UK and serviced by VERTU Motorrad Exeter. John rode the 1098 miles from Calais to Ukraine in one ride!

The journey home made easier by the gift of a free stay with breakfast at the Hotel de Medici in Bruges, courtesy of sales manager Caroline Willems.​

​

The soldier who received the IFAK kits has since confirmed that they have been needed, they HAVE saved lives!

Thank you to all who donated.

​​