A COUPLE from Somerset are all set to make a 2,000 mile drive to Ukraine to deliver aid and a new vehicle.

Katie Hines, who works at Hinkley Point B, and her partner Ed, both from Glastonbury, have wanted to complete an expedition to the war torn country for some time.

As part of their efforts, they have raised almost £4,000 to buy a 4x4 SUV and deliver it to the front line where it will be upgraded to be used as an evacuation, response, or medical vehicle.

The trip will see seven vehicles from across England form a convoy to Eastern Europe, organised by charity Driving Ukraine.

Speaking on the amount of money donated to her fundraiser, Katie said: "Its massively humbling and I feel a bit blown away by it.

“It makes me quite emotional to be honest, I’m a bit speechless really."

To sponsor the Somerset couple on their humanitarian expedition, visit https://gogetfunding.com/help-katie-and-ed-get-an-evacuation-vehicle-to-ukraine/.Somerset County Gazette: Katie, who works at Hinkley Point B near Bridgwater.Katie, who works at Hinkley Point B near Bridgwater. (Image: Contributed)

Katie and Ed will travel to Ukraine over his birthday - he asked for donations to the fundraiser instead of presents this year.

The expedition will begin on Saturday, April 27, when the couple will head off from their home in Glastonbury and join the convoy to Ukraine.

They aim to reach the workshop to drop the car off on Tuesday, April 30, and estimate they won't be back home until around Thursday, May 2 - that's six days straight of constant travelling.

Instead of providing traditional aid such as socks, blankets, and tinned food - which although appreciated, are not in such short supply - Katie and Ed hope to deliver some more essential items to the front line.

“They’re really desperate for major trauma kits, and are really in need of 4x4 tyres," Katie explained.

“They also need mechanical kit and tools for cars.

“Instead of taking more of the generic stuff we’re trying to take more of this niche sort of aid."

Both Katie and Ed are appealing to local businesses and medical centres to donate tyres and major trauma kits to help with the crisis in Ukraine.

Although the pair have raised almost double their initial target, Katie said the extra money will go towards buying a newer, more reliable vehicle with less miles which will be of more use.

“The fantasy is that we find a vehicle down here and load it up with tyres and medical supplies, and then drive up from here," she affirmed.