A bus donated by Swindon’s Bus Company will be converted into a field hospital before being sent to Ukraine.
The Go-Ahead Group-owned operator has responded to a call from Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), which was set up to help those in the war-torn country as well as refugees in the UK.
The bus, which is the first to be received by SHAP, will be furnished with hospital beds and other vital equipment.
Andrew Wickham, Managing Director of Swindon’s Bus Company, added: “When we were approached and asked for a bus, it became instantly obvious how the vehicle could be used to help people out in Ukraine.
“It is a very sad fact of war that this new field hospital, and others that follow it to Ukraine, will be well used. On behalf of all my colleagues at Swindon’s Bus Company, I would like to send our hopes, prayers and best wishes to our friends – both in Ukraine and in the UK – who are affected by this cruel conflict.
“I am pleased that we have been able to play a small role in helping civilians and soldiers who have been injured on the front line, get the treatment they need to recover.”
SHAP says Ukraine is in desperate need of mobile field hospitals to help civilians and soldiers following Russia’s invasion of the country 12 months ago.
“Converted buses are perfect for this so, with significant help from Heidi Alexander and non-executive director at Transport for London, Leon Daniels, we approached companies across the UK to see if they were willing to donate vehicles to this very worthy cause. I’m delighted by the response we’ve had.”
