Published on 7 November 2022
Scottish human rights lawyer and humanitarian volunteer Andrea Fraser arrived back in Edinburgh on Saturday (5 November 2022) after completing her solo round-trip to Ukraine to deliver lifesaving maternity equipment for use by midwives and doctors working in Ukraine’s frontline areas.
Thirty-one-year-old Fraser, who lives in Edinburgh and is originally from Struy near Inverness, has raised £7,000 in donations for Baby Lifeline’s Ukraine Appeal during her 1,250-mile cycle home.
She had driven to Ukraine to deliver a truckload of Baby Lifeline specialist birth bags, as well as defibrillators, fetal dopplers, personal protective equipment, stretchers and blankets, to volunteers working on-the-ground amidst ongoing Russian attacks.
As Andrea began her three-week journey back to the UK – which would take her through Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Netherlands – the maternity equipment she had delivered was being distributed by Breaking the Chains, a British organisation working on-the-ground in Ukraine, to hospitals and makeshift shelters in some of the most dangerous areas of the country.
While on the road, Fraser co-ordinated the next truck full of maternity supplies to be delivered to Ukraine through Baby Lifeline’s Ukraine Appeal, working closely with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB).
She did this as a matter of urgency following disturbing reports from midwives and doctors working within communities enduring horrifying Russian attack.
Commenting on her journey, Andrea Fraser said:
“My ride back from Ukraine has been full of highs and lows. There have been beautiful days, like the one on which I arrived in Wurzburg, Germany, and was invited to spend an evening with members of the local Ukrainian community there. And there have been difficult days of pedalling up relentless hills in the pouring rain and coming off my bike.
“But the harsh reminder of why I undertook this challenge has been ever-present. Three days before I arrived in Ukraine, Lviv was attacked. Three days after I left, missiles were falling there again.
“A huge part of this journey is about raising awareness for Ukraine and the extreme hardship of those living and working there – like the doctors and nurses working without adequate supplies. Also, heroes like Breaking the Chains, who continue to operate in Ukraine’s most dangerous areas – areas that no other organisation can get to – to rescue animals, deliver supplies and ensure that those left behind are not forgotten.
“Seeing the amount raised for Baby Lifeline gradually increase throughout this trip has kept me going. I know that every pound donated will be spent on equipment that will save mothers and babies’ lives.
“It’s great to be back home in Scotland. Although, I’ll be putting aside my bike for a while, I won’t be taking a break from our work in Ukraine. If anything, I’m more motivated now than ever.”
Judy Ledger, Founder and Chief Executive of Baby Lifeline, stated:
“The Baby Lifeline team is in awe of Andrea, her energy and commitment to support our cause. We can’t thank her enough for everything she has done, and continues to do, leading the steering group for our Ukraine Appeal.
“Since March 2022, Baby Lifeline and its supporters have donated £500,000 worth of equipment to teams in Ukraine, helping to safely deliver thousands of babies since the war began. To date, we’ve supported mothers, babies and medical professionals in Bucha, Chernihiv, Sumy, Irpin, Kharkiv, Kyiv and Vorzel.
“Our aim has been to get equipment to health professionals working in areas most affected by Russian attacks, and the next truck of equipment will be arriving in the country this month.
“We hope Andrea does take some time to rest at her Edinburgh home, because she has definitely earned it!”
Please help us by donating directly Baby Lifeline’s Ukraine Appeal or via Andrea Fraser’s fundraising page.