Father and son taking aid van from Salisbury to Ukraine

Father and son duo Philip Spring, 39, and Kyle Spring, 16, from Salisbury, need to raise £2,500 so they can provide essential humanitarian aid to children in the war-torn nation.

The pair, along with co-driver Dave Hatch, are volunteering with 'Vans Without Borders' - a not-for-profit organisation which provides volunteers with a van to take into Ukraine and purchase humanitarian aid.

SEE ALSO: Two men drive van to delivery medical supplies to Ukraine

Kyle, who is currently studying for his A Levels, was the driving force behind the operation.

He told the Journal: "It was my idea to do this. Originally my dad wanted to go over and fight, but I said 'why don't we do something for charity?'

A poster made by Kyle (Image: Newsquest)

"There isn't a lot of news about Ukraine anymore, but it is still happening. Not everyone is aware that the lives of children are still at risk."

Philip, a roofer and former soldier, added: "Some children have lost parents, there are some with disabilities who aren't getting the help they need, an a lot have been displaced.

"We're heading off on April 22, so we need to raise our money by then. We have a crowd-funder that started off really well.

"Organising it has been a lot of hard work, it's definitely not going to be a holiday. Vans Without Borders was a bit hesitant about Kyle going with us, but as we aren't going into the active warzone, they said 'okay'."

The journey will see Philip and Kyle travel from Wiltshire, across the continent and into a Ukrainian border town.

Philip said: "We'll go over there with an empty van, and buy the supplies we need to distribute when we get there. That way the money stays in Ukraine.

"The idea is to do this every three months, we really want to make a difference."

Philip has set up a crowdfunder which can be found by clicking this link.

The description explains how Philip and Kyle volunteering  to provide food, medicine, clothing and toys to disabled children in Ukraine.

"Vans Without Borders will be supplying us with a van and cover the fuel and accommodation, and your donations will be used to purchase the aid inside Ukraine to support their economy, and ensure your money is used in the best possible way.

"Unfortunately, there is very little government or charitable funds available to support their needs. It's heartbreaking to hear that they are suffering because of a lack of the very basic things that we all take for granted.

"No child should have to go hungry, feel cold or not get the medical treatment they need, but this is the sad reality many of them endure daily."

Readers can find out more about their fundraising efforts here.