A personal trainer from Reading has made the long dangerous journey to deliver vital aid to Ukrainian civilians caught up in the conflict.
Nick Tenconi, 38, braved overhead missiles and power blackouts on what he called a "hellish journey" to the frontline with humanitarian group 'Vans without Borders.'
Mr Tenconi said: “The journey out is hellish. The threat of danger, but more specifically, the threat of consequence is palpable.
“There was danger yes, but more importantly, threat.
“For me, it’s a challenge and therefore exciting and creates growth and development. To others with a different mindset, it would promote fear of course. However, it was the atmosphere of threat that was the most palpable.
“The checkpoints, the security measures, the atmosphere of panic, the power blackouts, the uncertainty of survival, the overhead missiles, the sirens, the curfew, the breaking news of where next is to be targeted… and that was all before the front line.
“We flew into Krakow and took the 18-hour bus journey to Vinnytsia.
"Border control is very thorough but I wouldn’t say it was any more intimidating than other parts of the world I’ve crossed the border in.
"I noticed groups of youths very excited to be returning to Kyiv which was tremendous to see and really brought home the magnitude and consequence of war, displaced families being a main byproduct.
“As for being on the front line, for me, I felt safe and ready for what may come, but I realised that was instilled as a result of witnessing the bravery of the locals we were delivering to.
“They cried at times but for the most part, they were stoic and the children smiled.
"The sound of bombing, cars crashing from people trying to evacuate the hot zone areas, the tanks rolling past, the soldiers carrying rifles, the checkpoints, the burned-out cars, the overturned vehicles, the decimated buildings: they all contribute to creating an atmosphere of heartbreak more than fear."
Mr Tenconi has lived in Reading since 2012 where he works as a personal trainer, life and mindset coach and England Boxing coach.
He has a close connection with ‘Vans Without Borders’, a humanitarian group set up in March 2022 to deliver essential aid to the front-line areas of Ukraine, such as The Donbas, during the invasion.
He said: “I am friends with the founder, Jack Ross, and was lucky enough to be offered to join the team.
“We deliver a variety of essential aid comprising of non-perishable foods, medical supplies like crutches, sanitary products and anything which people from the UK have donated such as warm clothing and day-to-day items.
He added: “While in Ukraine we helped hundreds of vulnerable and displaced civilians. People were grateful and seemed weathered but not defeated, sadly my inability to speak Ukrainian meant I couldn’t converse with them to really understand what they were saying.
“I would say that the Ukrainian people’s spirit is unbreakable and this, as such, gives them the edge, as it would do any populous fighting regardless of military superiority.
"The soldiers we met and spoke with were confident, mentally robust and physically prepared. They truly are heroes.
“Vans Without Borders has also managed to create relationships with specific battalion commanders to ensure they are getting everything they need also in terms of aid.
“Most recently and on the tour I joined, the specific team were explosives experts offering their unique insight into ‘behind enemy lines tactics’ and counter-terrorism strategy.
"I was also there personally in a professional capacity to advise the Ukrainian army on their fitness regime and add value where possible to help ready troops as much as possible for combat.”
Mr Tenconi embarked on the mission from Sunday, January 15 to Sunday, January 29 - close to the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion of the country by Russian military forces.
Describing the return home, he said: “On the day you pack up to leave there’s a feeling of humility and gratefulness but also in describing the journey home I am again reminded of the gruelling nature of being awake for up to 36 hours, whilst traversing train stations, running for taxis, negotiating your way out of a war-torn nation and generally being on high alert constantly whilst having your wits about you, your luggage and other teammates safety in mind.
“From the front line in Slovyansk to Krakow airport (950 miles) is gruelling, as you would expect.
“You also don’t know when you’re going to eat again due to supply shortages, stores being destroyed or having no power or having to change course or evacuate an area.”
You can follow the activity of Vans Without Borders on social media, and donate via Crowdfunder here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here