AN intrepid and committed Thurrock man and his pals who recently returned from a mercy mission to the Ukraine have upsized their ambitions and another trip with even more vital aid will be leaving the borough in early April.

Earlier this month Thurrock Nub News reported on the combined efforts and nationwide support for John Green and his friends who completed a journey right to the Polish border with war-torn Ukraine and ensured vital supplies were tracked through to the front line.

On their return John and his pals Dean Hallissey, Mark McIlveney and Max Lazarou announced they had been so moved by the experience they wanted to return and to do even more to help.

John, who is well-known across the UK insurance industry, has one again put out an appeal for help from the sector – and once more he has had a huge response.

And local firms are also rallying round with offers of help – meaning another mercy mission is pencilled in to leave on 6 April – this time with four vehicles in the convoy.

John says: "Because of popular demand, preparations for Phase 2 of the Ukraine road trip are under way! Phase 2 means 'twice as big'.

Markerstudy Insurance have got behind me this time and sourced me three vans from Auto Windscreens. A big shout out to James MacBeth and Shaun Atton for sorting these out for me so quickly.

Clegg Gifford & Co Ltd is going to insure all the vans for me again.

"Markerstudy Insurance has also agreed to fund the logistical costs of all four vans for me at a great expense, so a big thank you to Gary Humphreys, Lizzie Smith-Foreman, and Sally Macdonald for supporting this and getting behind me.

"They are also sharing details of this mission with their 3,500 staff members to assist me in filling the vans with much needed supplies.

"I had multiple people and companies reach out to me last time, but I just didn't give myself any time because I was so conscious of getting supplies to the front line ASAP, so they didn't get to contribute.

"Therefore, this time I have set up a Go Fund Me page so anyone that wants to get behind this noble cause can do so. I can assure you that every single penny will be spent on supplies. I will buy items in bulk from reputable suppliers and provide all receipts etc on the page, so it is completely transparent. I put my reputation on the line, and give you my word this will happen. I have already had many generous donations.

"I have pencilled in the new date for 6 April hoping to return on 9 April. We will take the items to Vita Fruits again who are right on the border. They will then take an articulated lorry over into Lviv for us. Please see their Facebook page.

"If anyone wants to buy goods like last time I will happy liaise with you on collecting so we can get it straight to the front line.

"If anyone wants to do collections at their work, then we have spoken to our Ukrainian Government contact who has requested the following

• Paracetamol

• Painkillers

• Israeli bandages

• Knee pads

• Elbow pads

• Military boots

• Binoculars

• US first aid kits

• Sleeping bags

• Power banks

• Flashlights

• Food – Meat, cereals, pastas, canned veg

• Canned foods and baby food "They don't need any more toilet roll, wipes, nappies, or clothes, so please refrain from donating these items to this particular trip. "Thank you all for your support."