Port of Mostyn fire engine set for journey to Ukraine

Leader Live

18 hours ago

Donated by the Port of Mostyn as part of its ongoing humanitarian support efforts, the vehicle will be delivered to the city of Kryvyi Rih through the charity Ukraine Relief.
Karol Swiacki, founder of the Bournemouth-based charity, said: "Having seen first-hand what the people of Ukraine are facing I can honestly say that donations like this are priceless.In the driving seat is Port of Mostyn managing director Jim O'Toole with charity founder Karol Swiacki and charity trustee Alastair Young (Image: Mandy Jones)
"This equipment is really needed and this can be used to save so many lives.
"There is a real shortage of this equipment, so this will make such a difference."
Mr Swiacki, who recently survived a missile strike in Ukraine, travelled to Flintshire for the handover of the fire engine, which was donated by Port of Mostyn managing director Jim O'Toole.Hotel ablaze after Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied)
The Port of Mostyn inherited the vehicle after it purchased the neighbouring 45-acre former Warwick International site as part of its expansion plans, which include building a new berth for larger floating offshore wind turbines.
The 2001 fire engine, with only 40,000 miles on the clock, will be sent to Kryvyi Rih, a city critically short on emergency vehicles and life-saving equipment.
Mr Swiacki, who is originally from Poland, has spent extended periods in Ukraine delivering aid.Hotel ablaze after Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied)
In March, he survived a missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih that killed several people and injured dozens more, including children.
He said: "The people of Ukraine are suffering more and have more problems than we realise.
"Every single gift such as this donation goes a long way and gives those people hope that people around the world care.
"It is our duty to stand with them and show that we care."Devastation caused by Russian missile strike on a hotel in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine (Image: Supplied)
Mr O'Toole said: "We didn't really have a use for the engine so we decided to donate it to a charity who could make use of it and we are happy that we are able to do something to help those in need.
"We hope this gift from the people of Mostyn will give hope to those caught up in this awful war."
Preparing the fire engine for transport took several weeks, complicated by the absence of keys to start or move the vehicle.
Mr O'Toole enlisted the help of locksmith Matthew Barton-Jones of Prestatyn-based Locked Out North Wales, who successfully got the engine up and running.
Mr Barton-Jones said: "It was quite a challenge to find out the key profile.
"I had to contact the original vehicle builder and Volvo Europe to get the answers I needed.
"With a lot of work back and to we got there in the end.
"I was determined to get it done."
Following the handover in Mostyn, Ukraine Relief trustee Alastair Young presented Mr O'Toole and his team with gifts and certificates of appreciation.
Mr Young said: "Emergency vehicles have been damaged and destroyed in Ukraine and the Government just does not have the money to replace them so there is a real shortage.
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"This engine will be appreciated so much and will help to keep people caught up in a tragic situation safe.
"It is an incredible gift and will do so much good for so many people."
Mr Swiacki said: "We are waiting for quotes on the transportation.
"If there is anyone who could help us with the journey we would love to hear from them."
The fire engine is expected to begin its journey to Ukraine on a low loader in the coming weeks.