Keith Gibbs

Said the following about UK Rail for Ukraine:

“Outstanding Teamwork Nomination

UK Rail for Ukraine volunteers mobilised to despatch 24 containers full of much needed aid items to help displaced citizens in just five weeks…

Many of us have been watching the news from Ukraine with increasing concern in recent weeks. In February, as the numbers of displaced Ukrainians started to grow rapidly, a group of rail industry volunteers joined forces to take action to provide much needed aid. They were inspired by the ‘Train for Life’ which transported essential supplies to the people of Kosovo back in 1999, at a time when refugees were struggling to find food and other essentials. Would it be possible to do the same thing in 2021 to help the Ukrainians?

In just five weeks, the team collected over a million items and filled 24 rail freight containers – with contributions from organisations across the UK. The UK Rail for Ukraine train was waved off from London on 7 April, destination Ukraine.

At no point was this endeavour simple or straight forward. After the idea of an aid train was suggested on Linked In, hundreds of volunteers and supporters came forward. A virtual team was quickly formed and started to contact charities, governments and other organisations to share the idea and seek guidance on what could be most useful to people in Ukraine. Following initial reluctance, the idea started to gain support – with the team of volunteers going the extra mile to overcome many obstacles that stood in their way.

February quickly became March, and as the tragedy in Ukraine unfolded, the cross-industry team developed detailed plans. They used their range of experience, contacts, and deep sense of commitment to drive progress as there were still a few reluctant parties. The broader rail supply chain got behind the initiative, and it all started to feel more possible.

As the number of refugees grew to over two million, so did the team’s resolve to fill 24 containers with aid. External support was now more forthcoming. However with less than 4 weeks to go before the train was planned to depart not one of the containers had actually been filled.

As March drew to a close, the pace, drive and commitment ramped up again. Each partner organisation and individual stepped up, often balancing, or rather juggling, the day job. Donations were sourced from organisations across the country. Moving all the donated items, loading containers, producing all the documentation required and planning the journey took many hours of volunteers’ time, and significant support from rail industry organisations and government teams.

More than 1,500 tonnes of aid, including non-perishable food, hygiene and medical products, basic living equipment, and other much-needed supplies were loaded and despatched. The final documentation was issued literally as the train was being despatched, and the train was waved off to Ukraine on 7 April.

So many companies and individuals have contributed their time, resources, and donations. Thank you to every organisation and individual who provided support, including the Ukrainian Logistics Alliance and Department for International Trade in Warsaw who provided invaluable advice.

This was all inspired by a post on social media, and further updates appeared on social media as the volunteers made progress. Below is a selection of the comments and quotes from key stakeholders including the Ukrainian Government.

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Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom said

“I am expressing my gratitude to the UK Railway industry and everyone who contributed to the UK Rail for Ukraine initiative. We greatly appreciate your support during such challenging times.

“Despite the complexity of the logistic routes, the industry managed to organize a delivery directly to the places of greatest need in Ukraine.”

“In addition to the humanitarian aid gathered by volunteers from different businesses and organizations, UK Railway facilitated the delivery of 21 powerful industrial generators purchased by the Ukrainian Embassy which are imperative for Ukraine’s energy sector.”

Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom said

“The UK Rail for Ukraine initiative is playing a great role in delivering humanitarian aid from across the country.

“Our exceptional railway network has come together and is working hard to deliver vital supplies to support the inspirational Ukrainian people.”

“The UK continues to stand with all those fleeing Putin’s barbaric invasion.”

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail, said

“We have all seen the vital role the railway has played in Ukraine, delivering people to safety, and vital supplies to the front line. Britain’s railway is now playing its small part in supporting the inspirational people of Ukraine.”

Andrea Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of DB Cargo UK said

“Across Europe, DB Cargo is already leading the way in delivering humanitarian aid by rail to the Ukraine, having recently developed the first rail bridge to the war-torn region.”

“Here in the UK, we are pleased to be able to support the ongoing aid effort to deliver essential supplies to ease the suffering of the Ukrainian people impacted and displaced by the atrocities that are unfolding.”

David Horne, Managing Director at London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on behalf of train operators said

“We are proud to be working alongside the wider railway family in providing support to the people of Ukraine, including our railway colleagues.”

Trent Smyth AM, Executive Director at The Chief of Staff Association said

“The initiative shown by the railway industry is truly impressive. We are proud we could play our part in bringing the right people together to help make this possible.”

Chris Docker, Managing Director of Symposium Consulting, said

“What the UK rail industry has achieved will start to make a real difference to those in Ukraine, but this could not have been achieved this without remarkable local support. Those individuals have our thanks and my personal commitment to build on this initial momentum.”“