Dad worked in Kyiv just weeks before invasion people’there
A dad who worked in Ukraine just weeks before Russia invaded is fundraising for the Red Cross aid effort in the war-torn country.
James Frame, 38, was in the country’s capital, Kyiv, in December through his work as a global warranty development consultant visiting BMW importers.
He watched in horror as fears were realised and President Vladimir Putin launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has intensified its attacks on key Ukrainian cities – with fighting raging in the north, east and south.
The United Nations says nearly three million people have now fled Ukraine and the authorities there have said at least 636 civilians have been killed so far in Russia’s invasion.
Former Strathaven Academy pupil and Glassford lad James is now joining the massive humanitarian effort by raising funds on Justgiving for the Ukraine Crisis Appeal organised by the British Red Cross.
He is desperately trying to keep in contact with friends and colleagues he met in Ukraine through social media.
Funds raised will assist with water, food and medical supplies and James will run 31km every week for four weeks – ending on March 27.
He said: “I was fortunate
Raising cash for Red Cross after meeting‘fantastic enough to visit the beautiful to this and it was a complete and baby son Harrison, felt through this horrific war. city of Kyiv at the end of 2021, shock when I woke up, turned compelled to do whatever he “When I did get through meeting and working with on the news back home and saw could to help the people he to friends the first thing they numerous fantastic people. the invasion had started. forged close bonds with. said was that they were so very
“This horrendous situation “My immediate reaction was He added: “Ukraine and its grateful for the solidarity and has been forced upon the fear and worry for the colleagues people are close to my heart and support shown by the UK and people of Ukraine through no and friends I made there, a I decided I had to do something. US and the offers of help from fault of their own. couple of whom I have been “I did a fair bit of running its citizens.”
“The 31km symbolises trying to stay in contact with in the past, particularly A number of dropoff Ukraine’s 31 years of on social media. through 2021 in lock points have been independence – an “I was in BMW importers down, and I knew it was set up throughout independence that must not during my time there – two of something I could get Lanarkshire for be allowed to end now.” which have been completely back in to again. essential supplies
And James witnessed the flattened in missile attacks , “I want to raise as which will be sent build-up in tensions during his thankfully they were empty at much as I can and I am to Ukraine. weeks in the country. the time. so grateful to everyone There are also
He added: “While I was “The worry is how long will who has already donated drop-off points at there, Russian troops had this go on for and where will – it means so much. Climate Action already started to build up on it all end. It’s a scary time for “Every £1 Strathaven the borders. No one really knew everyone in the country and counts in in Green what was coming, although those who have loved ones there helping the Street, everyone was aware of the or who are fighting.” civilians Rain possibilities. James, who now lives in o f or
“We didn’t expect it to come Hamilton with wife Heather Ukraine
Shine South Lanarkshire in Rutherglen’s Stonelaw Road and Lunar Gymnastics Club in Balgray Road in Lesmagahow in conjunction with professional organising service Orka Living.
They are looking for donations of boxes, parcel tape, heavy duty bin bags, labels and markers to be able to package everything up for the lorries to get through customs and are looking for volunteers for both the Rain or Shine site at Rutherglen and the Lunar site at Lesmahagow.
Having been inundated with clothing they can’t take any more at the minute unless its new underwear, socks, hats and gloves. Go to the Orka Living Facebook page for more details on drop-off times and what’s needed.