Cleckheaton digs deep to help those in war torn Ukraine

Sarah Snowden, of Cleckheaton Rotary Club, has presented Coun John Lawson (Lib Dems, Cleckheaton) with a £400 cheque for humanitarian aid.

The cash will be used to purchase a generator which will be delivered to Ukraine by convoy in the new year.

In October, Coun Lawson headed to Lviv as part of a convoy organised by British-Ukrainian Aid and Caritas.

He was part of a group of seven volunteers who delivered vital supplies including generators, fire hoses, medical equipment and vehicles.

While they were there, Russia launched missile and drone attacks, primarily targeting the western region of Lviv.

The volunteers went to a large shelter with around 200 local people, primarily women and children, with Coun Lawson describing the experience as “unnerving”.

Since coming home, the councillor has been giving talks about his recent journeys as part of the convoy to both raise funds and awareness about what’s happening in Ukraine.

One of the talks was given at the Cleckheaton Rotary Club, which has since made the £400 donation.

Coun Lawson said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to give a few talks now and I’m always astounded at how interested and generous people are.

"The funds raised by Cleckheaton and District Rotary Club will make a real contribution by purchasing a generator that can be used during the frequent power cuts.

"It also shows the people of Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community that we haven’t forgotten them and that we mean to stand by them.”