Six people will take on a three-day drive to Eastern Europe to deliver donations to Ukrainian refugees provided by Swindonians.

Tom Bryar, Nigel Hannan, Miro Hallecky, John Kelly, Ian Gale and Richard "Big Rich" Clark will set off on Thursday, heading for Moldova to deliver the donations provided through the Swindon Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

The appeal first came about when Nigel met Tom and wife Mandy while diving in Egypt a few weeks ago when Nigel first mentioned this idea.

Mandy said that it was all Nigel's idea, but that she and Tom were more than happy to work together with him on this project.

Mandy said: "It all started about five weeks ago with Nigel collecting donations, as this time it was just the 40 feet artic lorry that was filled with humanitarian aid.

"This has now grown to the lorry and a large van with a 20 feet car trailer and an estate car."

These vehicles have all been provided by Nigel through his company Scorpion Engineering.

Swindon Advertiser: Ian, Alan and Max on loading day 1Ian, Alan and Max on loading day 1

So far, most of the humanitarian aid appeals have gone to Poland, but Nigel, along with Tom and Mandy, wanted to go further. They, therefore, decided to go to Moldova instead.

Moldova is a small country with a population of only 2.6 million, and it's considered one of the poorest countries in Europe - but has welcomed over 400,000 Ukrainian refugees since the start of the Russian invasion.

Swindon Advertiser: Foz the mascot Foz the mascot

Along with the drivers, they'll also bring Foz, the mascot for Fusion Fostering.

Business Development of Fusion Fostering, Kim York, said that the owner of the company argues that they have a social responsibility to help.

Because of this, they've donated £3500 to the Swindon Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to help cover fuel and the ferry.

The six-day round trip will see the crew travel through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania.

They are planning on spending one day in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, to unpack all the donations they've received.

Swindon Advertiser: Some of the aid Some of the aid

Donations have been flooded in during the past few weeks from the people of Swindon.

Swindon Academy, Covingham Primary School and Oakhurst Primary School have all been a big part in collecting donations.

Several local businesses have also taken part in the appeal, such as the Salvation Army, Swindon Food Bank and the Royal Mail.

Over 20 volunteers have helped sort through the donations and pack the vehicles.

Swindon Advertiser: Barbara and the lorryBarbara and the lorry

"We had a visit from a lady called Barbara Voice who handknitted a whole box of baby comforters, clothes and hat," Mandy said.

You can find the donation page here.