‘I’ve seen horrific scenes’ – retired vet’s desperate plea to keep Ukraine aid drive going this winter
Last updated 7th Nov 2026
A retired vet from Northumberland who has witnessed the devastation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine first-hand is warning that the war-torn country needs help “more than ever” as winter approaches – and fears the conflict could drag on for a decade.
Graeme Reavley, from Bowsden near Berwick, has made 21 journeys to the war-torn country since Russia's invasion in 2022, helping deliver 50 vehicles packed with vital humanitarian supplies.
But with donations becoming harder to secure, the 69-year-old is making an urgent appeal for public support to keep the aid mission moving.
"I have seen some horrific scenes in Ukraine," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
"I have been taken to a place where a ballistic missile had landed. The devastation you could not understand or appreciate.
"I have been taken to my friend Denys' parents' house, which was destroyed by the Russians very soon into the war in 2022."
Graeme established Borders Aid for Ukraine (BA4UK) and has worked alongside more than 40 volunteer drivers to source vehicles, collect supplies and transport them across Europe.
Now he's sharing his experiences with communities across the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland during a series of free public talks, with the first taking place at Ednam Village Hall last night (Friday).
Further "An Evening with Graeme Reavley" events are planned at the Cheviot Centre in Wooler on Monday (November 9th); Berwick Parish Centre on Tuesday (November 10th) and Seahouses - at a venue to be confirmed - on Thursday (November 12th), all starting at 7pm.
Graeme said: "The situation in Ukraine is no better now than it was three-and-a-half years ago when I started doing this.
"When I first went there, my contact Denys said he thought we'd go on for 10 years. We're now four-and-a-half years into it. I don't believe he'll actually be wrong."
But he added: “I have met Ukrainian people who I really care about, and I want to help them. They have shown us such kindness every time we go out. These are wonderful people who are doing everything they can to help others, despite what they are facing themselves.”
READ MORE: 'Scumbags!' Outrage after Remembrance Day tribute stolen as communities prepare to honour the fallen
Each journey involves delivering vehicles, mainly four-wheel-drive pickups, which are then handed to his Ukrainian friend, who prepares them for use closer to the frontline.
Each vehicle costs around £3,000 to purchase and deliver. Volunteer drivers give their time and meet their own personal expenses, helping donations go further.
Graeme said: "All the money I raise from just asking people to help me goes towards the cost of buying vehicles, 4x4 vehicles mainly - pickups. And the fuel and the ferry to get them to Ukraine.
"Donations of money are the gold standard because they enable me to buy vehicles and pay for the ferry and the fuel.
"But all sorts of help is appreciated, whether it be aid in the way of clothing, generators, fire extinguishers. They are all appreciated by the Ukrainians.
"With winter approaching, the demand is higher than ever. And it's going to go on. There's no sign that it's going to finish this conflict."
Despite the devastation, he says the determination of the Ukrainian people remains undiminished.
"The Ukrainian resolve is as strong as ever," Graeme added. "They are not going to give in. They are going to fight to the end. They want to be independent. They do not want to be part of Russia."
READ MORE: Police probe report man 'assaulted and robbed of headphones in Tweedmouth'
So far, the Borders-based fundraising effort has raised more than £150,000 – but Graeme says he needs more people to get behind the appeal if the deliveries are to continue.
He is also keen to recruit more volunteer drivers, encouraging people to get involved and see the situation for themselves.
“The support we have received has been tremendous,” he said. “But the need has not gone away.
"Financial support and humanitarian aid are needed more than ever, particularly with winter approaching. I know this is an expensive time of year for many people, but whatever help people can offer will make a difference.”
The roadshows are free to attend and will give audiences the chance to hear about the people Graeme has met, the friendships formed and the difference their generosity has made.
He is also keen to thank everyone who has helped make the 21 journeys possible.
Anyone interested in donating money, vehicles or essential supplies, or volunteering to drive, can find out more at ba4uk.org/donate.
Graeme can also be contacted by email: [email protected]
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/