A FORMER Royal Green Jacket has travelled to Ukraine for the second time this year to donate essential supplies, just 60 miles from the front line.

Charles Blackmore, who founded commercial intelligence specialists Audere International in 2015, previously travelled Lutsk in April when he provided the people living there with items such as aprons, gowns, scalpel blades, visors and antiseptic solutions. This also included two ambulances and two tonnes of medical supplies. 

On December 12, he arrived in Mykolaiv, taking generators, gas heaters, gas cookers, power packs, winter clothing and baby food.

Before he left, Charles said: “We're flying to Poland, then we'll meet up with our team in Kyiv. I've got a team of six on the ground and we provide security to multi-nationals from our office. 

“Last time we went, we were going to see the team, but also to make a gesture in the early days. This time, we're seeing more of a threat because where we're going is more likely to have missile and drone attacks. The atmosphere is a bit different as well because the Ukrainians feel that they can win the war now. But this will be a very cold and a very tough winter, so we want to make a humanitarian gesture.

READ MORE: Hampshire businessman and former soldier drives ambulances and two tonnes of medical supplies to Ukraine

“We're taking around £75,000 worth of supplies right up to Mykolaiv. It will be interesting to see the state of the county and how people really are. It will be wonderful to make this gesture of the equipment we're taking which they so badly need, hopefully it will make a little bit of a difference.”

Charles is also encouraging people to donate for any future trips out to Ukraine next year. Charles said that when people donate, he will provide a photo of what the contribution has bought to help the people of Mykolaiv.

Charles said: “Donations can be sent by contacting Amanda Berwick on email at a.berwick@audereinternational.com or mobile 07876 482274.

“She will give the details of the account for payment. In response, we undertake to contact each person who donated when we return and let them know what their contribution gave to the people of Mykolaiv. We will include a photograph of us handing over the items in Mykolaiv which is a city devastated by the invasion and lies just 60 miles from the front line. Examples of equipment pricing include 3.5kva generator £685; gas cooker £75; gas heater £75; Artic sleeping bags £95; portable power pack £1,650.”