Bristol’s former lord mayor travelled 2,000 miles to deliver them

14:58, 04 Sep 2025Updated 15:43, 04 Sep 2025

Two fire engines from Bristol have been donated to the Ukrainian city of Odesa to give vital aid in the war against Russia.

Seven volunteers from Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AFRS) and fire authority chairman Cllr Paul Goggin (Labour, Hartcliffe & Withywood) drove 2,000 miles to deliver the vehicles, which have reached the end of their service life in the UK but can still be used.

The fire engines included personal protective equipment, hydraulic cutting tools and water rescue gear, which were formally handed over to the Odesa City Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

The Avon firefighters could go only as far as Moldova for the handover but Cllr Goggin, Bristol’s former lord mayor, completed the epic journey and is now in Odesa, the country’s third largest city at a key port location, which has been bombarded by the Russians but has managed to hold out.

Cllr Goggin said Russia’s military had targeted Ukrainian firefighters responding to attacks.

He said: “Travelling with our crews to deliver this equipment is a privilege. This isn’t just about vehicles – it’s about people.

“We want the people of Ukraine to know they’re not alone. This donation reflects the compassion and solidarity of our community.

“It’s a powerful example of how UK fire services can help those facing unimaginable hardship.”

The convoy left Temple Fire Station in Bristol on Sunday, August 24, and drove through eight countries, often spending 15 hours a day on the road, including one day which clocked up nearly 1,000 miles.

Cllr Goggin said: “We stayed in camp beds in fire stations along the route – Whitstable, Frankfurt, Vienna, some town in Romania I can’t remember, and Iasi, then in Chisinau – to keep the costs down.

“The Ukrainians raised the money for expenses at home so it cost the taxpayer nothing.”

The mission was funded by charities Fire Aid and International Development, along with Ukraine Aid and Welfare.

Avon chief fire officer Matt Cook said: “With Fire Aid and International Development’s support, we’re making sure this life-saving equipment gets to where it’s needed most.”