A CONVOY of compassion will be heading out of Corringham tomorrow evening taking aid to refugees on the Polish border with Ukraine.

The idea for the trip was only mooted between four friends a few days ago and in the intervening hours they have managed to gather together a large supply of much-needed items and sponsorship for their trek, which will see them travel more than 2,000 miles.

The journey was the brainwave of local insurance consultant John Green and after he was quickly supported by friends Dean Hallissey, Mark McIlveney and Max Lazarou, a frenzied couple of days began.

John, 38, an insurance claims consultant who works for Romford-based Clegg Gifford & Co, has already been travelling around the country collecting donations of items including trauma kits from companies linked to the insurance industry who were motivated to get involved after he posted about the venture on the Linkedin social media platform.

He returned this afternoon (Tuesday, 8 March) from a trip to Lancashire and Staffordshire where he picked up thousands of pounds worth of supplies including thermal hats, gloves, blankets, toiletries and hot water bottles from Wigan company Gee Tee's and medical supplies including trauma kits from Robertson & Co in Stoke. They will be taken right to the border so they can be transported by the Red Cross to the front line.

On his return to Corringham John said: "I've just returned and there are just boxes and bags everywhere! We have teddies, colouring books, skipping ropes. There is loads of baby stuff I think we have six buggies and twoi travel cots as well!

"Everyone I have ever met and their dogs have sorted me out to make this all happen.

"So many people have already helped loads so big thanks. I think we are close to £20k raised now - it's just unreal in such a short time!"

Base for the operation is the Corringham home on Balmoral Avenue of Dean, 45, who works at the Navigator Terminal in West Thurrock. Dean will be joining John on the trip, along with 43-year-old estate agent Mark and Max, 50, who is a travel agent.

The four friends have paid tribute to their families for their support and also the many businesses that have rallied to help by providing vehicles, insurance and fuel as well as donations of cash and goods to be taken to the needy.

John adds: "We have got 100s of sleeping bags and warm blankets, lots of thermal gloves, hats, and scarves, 50 full body thermal suits, thousands of pounds worth of medical supplies nappies, baby wipes, powder milk etc. We've even got a bullet-proof vest."

On the way through northern Europe to Lublin in Poland the team will be stopping in their vans to buy some fresh supplies – which are in scarce supply close to the border due to the huge demand as hundreds of thousands of refugees have fled the fighting and terror following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The team's arrival at an aid centre in Lublin and then their onward journey to the border has been coordinated with the Red Cross.

Among many other companies to help the mercy mission are Horwich Farrelly, the Davies Group , Progress Vehicle Management, Sovereign Automotive ,

ATL Haulage, TCF Corporate Ltd, I Love Claims VRG Ltd and the Tony Allen Trust. John said: "I am sure I will have missed someone out of that list but it's just been so hectic so please forgive me. When we are all done I will make sure everyone is thanked and acknowledged properly but for the moment just a huge thank you to everyone, including family and friends but particularly the insurance industry and to my employer Toby Clegg who has matched the top donation on top of sorting the insurance for the vans. Thanks for your support boss." If anyone would like to help the team – who are already considering a second trip later this year - you can contact Dean via email at [email protected]. The four friends will be leaving around 8pm tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 March).