Four donated ambulances packed with food supplies, which set off from Teddington in late April, have reached Ukrainian frontline soldiers.

The 1,250-mile trip which took two days, was organised by British food charity The Country Food Trust (CFT), who supply meals for foodbanks in the UK, in conjunction Twickenham-based charity Mighty Convoy .

The aid mission called Operation Mighty Convoy, departed from Teddington at 8am on April 28th, transporting 10,000 'Country Bolognese' meals (pictured below) which are sealed in pouches and can be eaten hot or cold, ensuring those hiding underground or out in the field without electricity or gas are able to receive critical food supplies.

10,000 'Country Bolognese' meals were delivered to Lviv, Ukraine

The four former NHS ambulances made the journey from Teddington to the Eurotunne,l through to Calais, and then across France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and then into Lviv, Ukraine, where they were handed over to the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMAU).

Eight volunteers, including the CEO of the County Food Trust charity, SJ Hunt, took turns to drive the ambulances to Lviv, which were secured through a remarkable £50,000 fundraising effort from Mighty Convoy and members of the public.

The convoy arriving at the Ukrainian border

Reflecting on the mercy mission, SJ Hunt told Nub News: "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've taken have been specially adapted for Ukraine by adding cooked pasta.

"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 was a very long drive to Lviv but with two drivers to an ambulance we took the driving in turns and managed to keep going for 40 straight hours. It was arduous at times, but we knew the importance of what we were trying to achieve and on arriving at our final destination we were in no doubt that our lack of sleep was nothing in comparison to the hardship we saw."

Country Food Trust members and CEO SJ Hunt (centre) alongside Mighty Convoy's Simon Brake (second from right) 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 decommissioned ambulances 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.

"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)."

He continued: "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 will continue making convoys for as long as the war lasts, and for as long as we have the incredible support of our donors and big-hearted organisations such as the Country Food Trust."

Ukrainian volunteer Mila Stukalova, who is helping to distribute the meals, said: "I would love to say a huge thank you to the Mighty Convoy and Country Food Trust for their great support to Ukrainian people in this very difficult time.

"Every meal we delivered was very much appreciated. We managed to send some to people on the frontline and to a village in Donetsk district. All what they have done is very important to us. It gives our people hope that they have not been forgotten but have people in UK willing to help. Together we can make a big difference."

Mila Stukalova handing CFT meals to a Ukrainian soldier heading to the frontline

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.