DONATIONS from across Ayrshire to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion have been sent on their way by a Mauchline farm - with one of thier own at the wheel.

Ukrainian post lorry driver Oleksandr is transporting a second lorryload of goods handed in to Mossgiel Organic Farm to the people who need the help most.

Oleksandr got stuck in the UK after the war broke out, but was determined to get home to deliver the goods to those in need - and then to get out and fight for his country.

At the weekend, Mossgiel's Bryce Cunningham posted an appeal online for anyone to donate what they could towards supporting the people of Ukraine.

They were inundated with donations.

WAR - a Scottish reaction! These two pictures are BOTH of our little coffee shop… but ~100 years apart!! . Im historic...

Posted by Mossgiel Organic Farm on Sunday, 27 February 2022

The first lorry left for Poland on Monday morning.

And now the second lorry is on its way - and what better way to have it transferred than by one of Ukraine's own.

There is a plan in place to send one further lorry to help with the crisis, but border controls and Brexit rules are making that more difficult than expected.

READ MORE: Ukraine refugee help appeal sets off a huge community response

A post on the farm's Facebook page wished Oleksandr all the best in his travels.

It read: "It has been a seriously emotional day meeting Oleksandr, working with incredible, dedicated volunteers to ensure everything was checked, sorted, loaded, weighed and rechecked for the mountain of paperwork demanded by EU customs in an attempt to avoid the issues thrown at us with lorry 1 - but we all got it done.

"We really wish Oleksandr a safe and sucessful journey and cannot even begin to imagine what will meet him when he arrives home."

 

MEET Oleksandr This is the incredible driver taking YOUR donations to his home country to help those in need Oleksandr...

Posted by Mossgiel Organic Farm on Wednesday, 2 March 2022

Although they are not taking more donations at the minute, they are still looking for support from the public.

They have launched a petition to make it easier to transfer charitable goods over to the people who need it more.

The petition can be seen here. 

A third lorry will not be arriving to transport anymore goods until Friday.

Cumnock Chronicle: Volunteers load up a van with donations at the Mossgiel Snug following the social media appeal (Pic- Charlie Gilmour)Volunteers load up a van with donations at the Mossgiel Snug following the social media appeal (Pic- Charlie Gilmour)

So until then Bryce Cunningham of Mossgiel, and an amazing team of volunteers will continue sorting through the donations that have already been left.

Mossgiel Organic Farm are constantly updating their Facebook page, to give all the latest details of the great work of them and the public.