As part of a team delivering two aid-laden B7RLEs to Ukraine, CRAIG TEMPLE recounts a challenging a rewarding journey through nine countries
What started with an innocent reply to a Facebook post quickly developed into probably the most rewarding few days of my life. The message in early July said “Ukraine Bus Appeal” and was posted by OTS Cornwall bus service manager Craig George. He was asking for support in financing the costs of driving two buses to Ukraine. I already knew Craig, though had never met him, as I was supposed to join him on his second Chernobyl visit. That was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid. I had been to Chernobyl (or Chornobyl as the Ukrainians call it) with a group of drivers and supervisors from First Leeds in October 2021, as the Russian forces amassed a few miles away on the Belarussian border in preparation for their attack. Having been there, and got a feel for the country and people, I felt an affinity for them, and wanted to do all I could to help. As a company, Connexions Buses has, and still does, provide free passes for refugees – it’s not a lot, but we are doing what we can. I told Craig I may be able to help with funding the journey, alongside some of ou…
