DOCTOR by trade, adventurer by heart, a Nomansland man will take to the ocean to raise money for Ukraine's medics.
Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Leonid Krivskiy, 52, will attempt to cross the Atlantic in his latest bid to fundraise for Ukrainian medics.
The doctor said: "This adventure is about more than acquiring skills; it's a commitment to making a real difference to peoples lives through knowledge, compassion, and action.”
"I embark on a journey not just for self-growth, but to fuel a deeper mission: supporting Ukrainian medics. "
Ukraine is still bogged-down in its struggle with Russia, which launched a war of aggression on Ukraine nearly three years ago.
With just over a hundred days to go before his crossing, the Journal asked Leo how he felt. The Russian-native replied: "How do I feel? Excited and s***-scared in equal measure."
It might be Leo's first try at rowing across an ocean, but he has rowed the Mediterranean Sea -which was a mixed experience, due to a lack of preparation.
The doctor spoke about how the four-man crew clashed, got sick, refused to row and remarked: "If you do it in a team, you have to spend time building a team."
An adventurer at heart, Leo also spoke fondly of his experience and enjoyed it enough that he initially conceived of his Atlantic crossing as another team trip.
The war in Ukraine changed his plans and Leo threw himself into helping Ukraine, the country of both his wife and mother.
"Within a week, I raised £30,000 through JustGiving," Leo said, speaking about his efforts raising money and taking supplies, as well as support trips, to the war-torn country.
In supporting Ukraine, the consultant is raising money for his charity, UKROPS, which aims to provide training and equipment for Ukraine's lifesaving medics.
The board is made up of three consultant anaesthetists, including Leo, who work with Medical Lifelines Ukraine to give the support, which is not just material.
Leo said: "There are active WhatsApp groups for real-time clinical advice.
"For instance, it helped save a mother and her baby during a critical Caesarean section in Zaporizhzhia, where Southampton surgeons provided vital guidance to Ukrainian obstetricians."
UKROPS also brings Ukrainian doctors to the UK for short-term placements, but this is expensive and there is no help with the cost.
Leo's trip will attempt to raise money so Ukraine's medics and clinicians get the money, training and equipment they need, but he has seen interest waning.
"Charity work needs commitment," the doctor said and Leo's words are echoed in the efforts of Ukraine, as well as its supporters, which is struggling to keep Britain's attention.
For more information on Leo's Transatlantic row, please click here.
For more information on the personal stories of the medical personnel fighting to save lives, please click here.
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