Four donated former NHS ambulances packed with food supplies have set off to war-torn Ukraine from Teddington this morning (April 28).

The 1,251-mile trip which will take 23 hours, has been organised by the British food charity The Country Food Trust, who supply nutritious meals for foodbanks across the UK.

The aid mission, called Operation Mighty Convoy, departed from Teddington at 8am this morning with the journey set to take eight volunteers through the Eurotunnel to Calais and across France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Poland and then into Lviv, Ukraine.

The 10,000 donated 'Country Bolognese' meals (pictured below) are sealed in pouches which can be eaten hot or cold, ensuring those hiding underground or out in the field without electricity or gas are able to receive food supplies.

10,000 'Country Bolognese' meals will be delivered to Lviv, Ukraine

The four former NHS ambulances will also be donated to the people of Lviv to provide urgent medical assistance, which have been brought via donations from members of the public.

The ambulances were secured and refurbished by not-for-profit organisation Mighty Convoy, with today's launched mission its third since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Eight volunteers, including CEO of the Country Food Trust charity, SJ Hunt, will take turns to drive the ambulances to Lviv and are expected to arrive Saturday lunchtime, April 29th.

Charity Food Trust CEO SJ Hunt said: "We were all touched by the plight of Ukraine and wanted to do all we could to help its people in their stand against Russian aggression. 

"We heard about the great work of Mighty Convoy and when they approached us for food to take, we quickly realised our meals were ideal for the conditions out there. The 10,000 meals we're taking have been specially adapted for Ukraine by adding cooked pasta for a better balance of protein and carbohydrates. 

"The pouches provide a complete, protein-rich, ambient meal that can be eaten hot or cold. They also have a one-year shelf life and do not need to be refrigerated. 

"It'll be a long drive to Lviv but we're all going to take turns to drive so we can get the ambulances and food to the people who need it within 24 hours."

Country Food Trust members and CEO SJ Hunt alongside Mighty Convoy's Simon Brake and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP (second from left)

Simon Brake from Mighty Convoy added: "When the invasion happened, we wanted to do our bit. We heard that they needed medical aid and ambulances. We sourced three ambulances, reconditioned them and did our first convoy last August followed by another convoy of four ambulances in January. 

"This time we wanted to take food with the ambulances, and someone told us about the Country Food Trust and their protein rich ambient meals."

Mr Brake continued: "They were able make an incredibly generous donation of 10,000 specially produced high-protein meals to take to our partners, the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMAU). 

"The CMAU will distribute these meals to people, both medical and non-medical, in and around the front lines, as the design and portability allows for people operating in the field to carry a few of these food pouches and have a protein rich meal when they would normally have to do without. 

"We're delighted that the Country Food Trust's CEO has joined our team of drivers. All our drivers volunteer their time and pay for their own expenses and flights back, which is greatly appreciated and allows us to spend all our donations on ambulances and fuel costs."

Ukrainian Irina Webb, who helped raise money to buy the ambulances transporting the food, said: "Some people are having to survive underground where it's not possible to cook meals as access to gas and electricity is sporadic. These meals are ideal as they can be boiled in the bag on an open fire. 

"Ukrainians have a strong spirit and have weathered the invasion for over a year. Providing these meals and ambulances will make a real difference to them."

Since the Country Food' Trust's launch in 2015, it has ensured over 2.8 million meals have been distributed to food banks and community kitchens across the UK made from an incredible 485 tonnes of game meat donated from UK estates. Its meals have supported more than 3,500 charities.

For more information on the food charity's work, visit the link HERE.

Further details on Mighty Convoy's work can be viewed HERE.