Head of Security visits Ukraine to help orphans and deliver aid
The Head of Security at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has headed to Ukraine to help orphans and deliver aid.
Like many people, Paul Grzegorzek has watched the situation in Ukraine unfold with an increasing sense of helplessness.
But on Friday, he set off on the 1,000-plus-mile trip to the border to help orphans in the war-torn country and deliver aid and supplies.
Paul – whose career includes stints as an ambulance first responder and a Police Support Unit (PSU) medic – has joined the group Patrol on the mission and arrived in Poland on Sunday.
“I’m absolutely delighted that I can do something and am really pleased to be making a difference,” said Paul, speaking before heading off.
“I’ve been so desperate to do something. The work Patrol is doing is amazing. They have people from all over, from all backgrounds, who are going out to help. There are drivers, mechanics, paramedics, people from an army or police background, a doctor. It’s absolutely fantastic.”
The group will spend some of their time working in pop-up field hospitals and giving medical aid.
Dad Paul will also be supporting Patrol in transporting orphaned children to countries across Europe and the UK as part of the official refugee placement efforts.
While he feels ready for the trip, he knows he will witness some heart-breaking situations and has heard first-hand from his Ukraine-based aunt about some of the atrocities.
“I have dealt with some horrific things in my career, so I do feel prepared,” he said.
“But I do know how awful the situation is out there. It’s probably something that will affect me afterwards, when I stop to think about it.
“I’m glad for now I can do my bit to help.”
Paul has had the full backing of his Epsom and St Helier colleagues – with many offering donations.
He says he has been overwhelmed by their generosity and offers of support.
“The cleaning supervisors beckoned me over and showed me an envelope chock-full of money. All of these amazing cleaners and porters have put their hands in their pockets and have donated something,” said Paul.
“One of the matrons donated the £185 that had been given to her by her colleagues in a whip-round for her birthday.
“I’ve had all kinds of items donated, too – things like pantyliners and nappies, and children’s clothing. Those kinds of things are really helpful because some people in Ukraine have had to leave their homes so quickly and are without many basic supplies.
“The number of people who have helped – it’s incredible. And the comments that people have made. I have had clinical staff say to me, ‘You’re a hero’. But they are the heroes. They do this kind of thing every single day. They are my inspiration.”
Paul will arrive back in England on Thursday. To find out more about Patrol, visit: www.patrolservices.co.uk/
