More than £1,000 worth of medical supplies are on their way to war-torn Ukraine – thanks to generous donations from Hogsthorpe and Chapel residents.

Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, members of St Mary’s Church in Hogsthorpe have been answering the appeal for useful items to help those in need.

From winter clothes and blankets to cooking utensils, the church became a drop-off and collection point for donated supplies to be sent to the country.

The latest effort saw more than £1,000 worth of basic medical supplies being bought, boxed up and collected.

Neil Balderston and Roxy during the handover of donated medical supplies for Ukraine.

placeholder image — Neil Balderston and Roxy during the handover of donated medical supplies for Ukraine.

A spokesperson for St Mary’s Church said: “Last Sunday, at our regular 9.30am Eucharist, we handed over medical supplies to Roxy – a Skegness based Ukrainian lady who acts as the first staging post for onward transportation to the Ukraine.

"She met with Neil Balderston, one of our churchwardens who has been the driving force behind all this. This consignment also contained warm clothes that came from our collection box.”

The £1,107 total included £500 donated by St Mary’s Church members, £500 from members of St Leonards Church, in Chapel St Leonards, and £107 raised from a stall at The Wolds and Coast Churches Festival.

At the Eucharist, members said further prayers for peace in Ukraine and Russia, and for an end to suffering – especially that of children.