Victoria sponge auction raises money for Ukraine convoy

Organised at Thame Farmers Mart, the fundraiser aimed to support medical supply deliveries and the evacuation of injured soldiers.

Market shareholder Peter Dunn is among the volunteers set to drive the convoy, marking his second trip to the war-torn country.

Leaving for Lviv, around 1,300 miles from his Milton Keynes farm, on April 11, Mr Dunn expressed gratitude towards the enthusiastic bidders who competed for the cake baked by Charlotte Baxter, Thame Mart office and accounts manager.

The funds, amounting to a total of £1,862 with adjunct donations, will contribute to vehicle logistics, spares and medical kits.

This is the 59th convoy that has been sent to Ukraine with the 4×4 vehicles delivered directly to the army workshops in Lviv.

Auctioneer Simon Draper played a pivotal role in orchestrating the spirited auction where the cake amusingly changed hands three or four times.

Mr Dunn said: “We buy the vehicles and the 15 in this convoy will bring the total number of 4x4s sent to Ukraine from this area as part of Driving Ukraine to over 100.”

“We load them up with workshop gear and for this trip we are also putting the funds raised towards four medical ruck sacks and two large critical incident medical kits, for front line.”

The convoy’s three-day journey to Lviv will cross through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Poland via the Channel Tunnel.

With 183,000 miles under its belt, Mr Dunn’s trusty Land Rover Discovery is ready for the journey.

To return home, Mr Dunn and his companions will rely on a combination of taxis to the Polish border and a flight from Krakow to Luton.

Driving Ukraine, in partnership with Olney Ukraine, is responsible for organising the trip.

Mr Dunn expressed gratitude for the generous support and donations for the venture, which even includes a special aid box from Towcester Vets including animal and human medical kits.

Thame Farmers Mart’s goodwill does not end with the cake auction.

The market is already gearing up for yet another auction to support Driving Ukraine’s noble cause.

This time, a pack of wormer provided by Barkers Animal Health will be under the hammer.

Supporters have pledged £1 per mile, as the market looks to gather enough funds to purchase a recovery truck for retrieving and repairing frontline-damaged vehicles.

Thame Farmers Mart conducts regular livestock sales on Wednesdays (prime sheep and cull ewes and rams) and Fridays (store cattle and sheep).

More information can be found at www.thamemarket.co.uk.

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