Hero dad driving 1,500 miles to Poland with aid packages for Ukrainians

By Ellie Forbes via SWNS

A hero dad is driving 1,500 miles to Poland with vital aid packages for Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion.

Robert Dluzac, 48, will be driving from his home in Eyemouth, Scottish Borders, to Poland’s border with Ukraine after deciding he needed to do something to help.

Dad-of-two Robert, originally from Poland, is setting off on Sunday with a van full of supplies and plans to stay at the border for a week to help Ukrainian people who have lost everything.

Laundrette owner Robert is taking on the journey with his friend Piotr Dziedzic, also from Poland.

The pair are getting the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam and will then drive the rest of the way to Poland.

They have organized donation drop-off points in Edinburgh, Berwick upon Tweed and Kelso, and are asking for sleeping bags, hygiene products and canned or dry food.

Robert said: “Since the conflict started I couldn’t sit at peace at home.

“I couldn’t sit watching the TV, I knew I needed to do something, I want to help do whatever I can.

“I just can’t believe this is happening in Europe in the 21st century.

“I was going to jump straight in the car and drive to the border to just help serve food or make coffee.

“But then when I told my friend about my plans, we came up with the idea to take the van with supplies and goods to help.

“We have a good amount of donations already, it’s been a really great response from people – I am expecting the van will be overloaded.

“But I am happy about that because it shows just how much people want to help.”

Robert has lived in the UK for 18 years but said he is proud of his native country Poland and its reaction to the crisis.

Robert owns Star Laundry in Berwick while pal Piotr works in Lemon and Thyme restaurant in Kelso.

A local printing company is helping make up stickers of the Polish, UK and Ukraine flags for the van.

Robert added: “We are leaving on Sunday we have the ferry booked from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and from there we will drive to the border.

“We are hoping to be there by Monday night.

“We will share the driving and it will be relatively straightforward as it’s mostly on motorways.

“I am planning to stay for a week, we both have our own businesses so we can’t be away from work for too long.

“I am very proud of Poland and how the country and the people has reacted to helping.”