Martin Roberts arrives in Poland with Bournemouth donations

Martin Roberts visited the Castlepoint warehouse on Saturday which has become the sorting hub for an overwhelming amount of donations for Ukraine made by Dorset residents.

The 58-year-old presenter left the Bournemouth site with a van full of donated goods and embarked on a 26-hour journey through France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and then into Poland.

A video posted on Martin Roberts’ Twitter account shows him talking with organisers and volunteers at the Castlepoint warehouse.

He said: “The whole operation here is off the scale.

And so it begins…at the collection and distribution centre of the amazing ‘Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine’ - only set up less than two weeks ago by the amazing Karol and now the focus for heartwarming support from people of all ages and backgrounds 💕💕💕 pic.twitter.com/bQy92xwfJX

— Martin Roberts (@TVMartinRoberts) March 12, 2022

“The main thing is that this is actually making a difference.

“I’m delighted to be helping out.”

Martin arrived at the Polish border on Monday and the donations were distributed to Ukraine refugees.

Thank you so much for all your kind words of support and encouragement. It’s a huge leap in to the unknown and all a bit scary bananas so please believe me that they absolutely mean the world x pic.twitter.com/wUC20VTGDU

— Martin Roberts (@TVMartinRoberts) March 12, 2022

The organiser of the Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine group, Karol Swiacki, said: “The medical equipment that Martin took with him was almost worth £40,000.

“I can’t believe I’d have support from people like this. I never imagined I’d have them on my phone list.”

Read more: Ringwood man delivers donated medical goods to Ukraine

Read more: Medical goods donated to Castlepoint arrive in Ukraine

The operation was launched last month to appeal for donations for Ukraine and the group has since been swamped with goods including bedding, batteries, first aid supplies, clothes and animal food.

Donated goods are being taken to Poland, with many then being directly delivered to Ukraine by a contact of the group.

The first batch of donations arrived in the Ukrainian city of Lviv last week. 

It was Ringwood resident Ben Davidson who drove across the Polish border and into Ukraine to deliver goods. 

Karol said: “When Ben sent me the pictures of the things arriving in Ukraine, I cried. It was very emotional.

“It’s amazing because we’re not only helping the refugees in Poland, but also the people still in Ukraine.”

The Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine group are still accepting donations as well as volunteers at the Castlepoint warehouse.

Updated lists of goods required for donation can be found on the Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine Facebook page.