When the war in Ukraine broke out, an archdiocesan appeal was approved by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon to support those facing the horrific life-changing events.

A team of officers at the St Margaret Clitherow Centre joined forces to launch the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal, which recently completed its fourth successful journey to the Polish/Ukraine border to deliver essential aid.

Over the four trips, we have taken 12 van loads of goods including medical supplies, dried food, thermal clothing, building tools, generators, toiletries and baby provisions.

But what is it like to experience this drive spanning 6 countries? We speak to Jill Boggan, director of finance at the Archdiocese of Liverpool who has driven twice.

Jill said: “I volunteered as I found the news about the war in Ukraine truly devastating. I thought it was a great opportunity to do something really hands on and tangible to help the people who needed it the most.  My role as finance director is predominantly office based and involves a lot of meetings, spreadsheets and reports, so I was really keen to do something a bit different.”

All volunteers travelled with a partner to split the driving.  Jill added: “I also felt very strongly about there being a woman representative in the driver pool. I was delighted to be partnered with Nicky Hegarty, executive assistant to the COO for my first trip. We got on really well and supported each other throughout the journey- girl power really shone through!

“Prior to this, I had done a little bit of driving abroad, but nothing to this scale- I don’t think you could ever be prepared to do a journey like this. I was anxious about the size of the vehicle as I had never driven a van or a vehicle with such a heavy load before. You also feel such a sense of responsibility as the goods you are delivering are thanks to the generosity of people across the archdiocese.

“There are lots of long days, it is very tiring and we drove through some tough conditions such as heavy rain. But, it is all worth it when you hand over all of the goods and see the reactions on everyone’s faces, how much it means to them and when you hear how it will help people so in need.”

The aid from all four trips has been given to Bishop Gregory Komar, from the Ukrainian diocese of Sambir-Drohobych in the Lviv region of western Ukraine. Bishop Gregory and his team of seminarians then distribute the goods to those who need it the most.

As Jill saw first-hand the positive impact that the trip had on the people of Ukraine, she then signed up to be a volunteer driver on the October trip, this time partnering with her husband Phil.

She said: “When I returned home in April, I couldn’t stop telling Phil about the incredible experience we had. When I signed up again, Phil was keen to volunteer and help the appeal. Like Nicky, Phil was an excellent partner to travel with, he was really supportive, helped with navigations, boosted morale and as we are both musicians, there was lots of singing in the van too!”

Reflecting on her trips, Jill said: “Driving to the Ukraine border is such a big thing to do, I did have lots of anxieties, but seeing how much our appeal has helped people makes it all worth it. I think everyone involved in the #Liverpool4Ukraine appeal should be really proud of themselves and the impact it has had.”

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