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Essex volunteer prepares another aid run to Ukraine and says donations still make a real difference

Kelvedon businessman Phil Billingham is preparing to drive another donated vehicle to Ukraine with Drive 2 Save Lives after seeing first-hand how aid reaches communities.

By The TEA Editorial Desk · 28 August 2026

Volunteers supporting humanitarian aid deliveries to Ukraine Image: BBC / source contributorsOriginal source

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An Essex businessman who has already delivered vehicles and aid to Ukraine is preparing to make another journey, saying even modest donations continue to make a visible difference on the ground.

Phil Billingham, from Kelvedon, plans to drive another donated vehicle to Ukraine in October with the charity Drive 2 Save Lives.

Volunteers involved in aid work have reported that donations have fallen from the levels seen earlier in the war, partly as household finances have tightened and has moved towards other international crises.

Billingham’s experience has convinced him that the smaller flow of support is still worth sustaining. Vehicles, equipment and other practical donations can be put straight to work, giving people in the UK a way to help communities living through the continuing conflict.