Dorchester do-gooder spearheads Ukrainian donation rally at Charminster church

Jack Lawford, 28, who works at Dorchester Travel, has been leading the charge at St Mary's Church in a bid to gather as many donations for refugees fleeing the violence in Ukraine - following the invasion of Russian forces.

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Second from left, The Rev’d Mark Phillips, and third from right, Jack Lawford, aged 28

Mr Lawford said he is working with an organisation from Bournemouth, which will collect the donations before heading to Poland, where many Ukrainian refugees have headed since the invasion began on Thursday, February 24.

He said: "Like everyone, I was devastated to see what was happening in Ukraine.

"I looked at ways that I could help and came up with the idea of starting up a collection of essential items, for the Ukrainian refugees entering Poland, and using the church as the drop-off point.

"I ran the idea past Rev'd Mark Phillips and Rev'd Leila Mather at St Mary's Church, Charminster, and was given the green light.

Since then, we have received an amazing response from the community, who have donated items such as blankets, sanitary products, nappies, baby formula and more.

"I have spent many late nights with my family - sorting out the items and packing them, ready for Poland."

Mr Lawford reached out to 'Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine', which is run by the Polish community in Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole, to organise vans to pick up the donations.

However, the good samaritan has urged the public to only donate specific products, after Mr Crawford was forced to take some of the items to charity shops as they are not deemed acceptable.

"He added: "I was given a contact in the Dorchester area and our first load was picked up Thursday, March 17.

"I'm running the collection until April 17, which falls on Easter Sunday.

"Unfortunately we have received lots of items which are not on the list and not currently accepted, which includes duvets, pillows, cushions and clothes, which I have had to dispose of at local charity shops.

"I would advise anyone that has large donations to look at the 'Help from Bournemouth to Ukraine' Facebook page for further information, as we have limited space at St Mary's Church."