Farrier from near Lincoln helps aid effort for Ukrainian refugees

Ben Smith from Swinderby is driving up to Ukraine's borders to deliver goods.

Ukraine
Author: Andy MarshPublished 15th Mar 2022

A farrier from near Lincoln has joined 'Ukraine Equestrian Relief'.

It's an effort by horse owners to help war refugees.

Farriers, like Ben Smith from Swinderby, are driving up to Ukraine's borders to deliver goods and open the doors to converted horseboxes, where people can have a shower, a hot meal and find some comfort.

He told us about the scheme:

"A lot of people are getting aid but they're getting absolutely no comforts of home".

"Horse owners have got these lovely big lorries you can live in, showers and kitchens and everything else".

"By going along and offering a hot meal, a bit of comfort, some toys for kids to play with, it's basically a bit of humanity".

"We've got lorries with seats empty that if there's people now needing to move on to other countries, to safer zones they've got several locations on the trail back up through Europe that have been offered to accommodate people on the way".

"We can in theory bring what's mainly women and children away from all that and into safe houses".

"The medical aid is a necessity it's something that they actually need, we're also taking warm clothes and things".

"They've ben through one of the worst things you could imagine."