By Dr David Cliff, Managing Director, Gedanken Ltd
Our North East campaign to support Ukraine with life-saving ambulances took longer than hoped to gather pace. This was due, in part, to the natural pause created by the Christmas period and, candidly, a period of ill health that temporarily limited my own capacity to drive the initiative forward.
That moment has now passed.
The focus is firmly back on action.
Ukraine’s war has not paused for winter, nor for political fatigue elsewhere. The humanitarian need remains acute, particularly for mobile medical support capable of operating in frontline and rural environments. Ambulances are not symbolic gestures; they are practical instruments of survival.
Working with the exceptional charity Help 4 Ukraine, which has already delivered more than 50 ambulances and heavy medical vehicles into active war zones, this North East initiative is now pressing ahead with renewed urgency. These vehicles operate as mobile surgical units, attending hundreds of life-threatening emergencies each month and serving civilians and soldiers without discrimination. The charity’s directors take no salary; every pound raised goes directly to delivery and equipment.
It costs between £7,500 and £8,500 to prepare and deliver a fully equipped ambulance to Ukraine. For many businesses, this represents a manageable contribution with an extraordinary humanitarian return.
The campaign ambition is clear:
Start with one ambulance
Build momentum for more
Mobilise the North East business community around practical, life-saving support
I will personally accompany the first vehicle to Ukraine with Help 4 Ukraine, and I am inviting others – businesses and individuals alike – to support through funding, logistics, or advocacy.
To enable straightforward and transparent contributions, donations are being coordinated via Donorbox, allowing both corporate and individual giving, with Gift Aid available for those who wish to enhance their contribution: donorbox.org/gedanken
Despite understandable pressures on UK businesses, the North East has a long tradition of stepping forward when it matters. Early supporters, including Woodland Flooring and Westray Recruitment, have already demonstrated that spirit, and I am grateful to Northern Insight for helping bring renewed visibility to the campaign.
This is not about politics or posturing. It is about lives – today, tomorrow, and long after any ceasefire is signed.
The message is simple and deliberate:
The campaign is active.
The need is real.
And Ukraine has not been forgotten.
Stand with Ukraine.
Help us send ambulances.
Help us save lives.
www.gedanken.co.uk