An independent Ukranian aid drop-off point has become one of the biggest in Cheshire.

Mark Bailey, who you may know from running Congleton businesses Marks Events and Marks Flowers from Glebe Farm, has turned his focus to getting supplies to Ukraine.

The Astbury donation point is being done under the name of the Biddulph Rotary Club (where Mark is from).

Two weeks after Mark set up the donation point, they have now passed a significant milestone.

"We have not sent over 40,000 pounds work of aid since we started," said Mark.

"As a Rotarian, there is a structure in place to respond to crisis like these.

"We've rode off the back of the Great Britain and Romania together campaign so most of the supplies will go there near the Romanian-Ukranian border.

"Currently we're getting everything from sleeping bags to medical supplies there.

"But in weeks or months, the need will also be to keep donated items in the UK to support refugees in that level.

"Thank you Congleton. This is where the UK is great. It works.

"People have been selfless. They've not just read it and scrolled down to the next post on Facebook.

"We've had people from businesses collecting at work, bands of neighbours, and individuals or families all coming in to drop-off."

Trucks-full of Congleton donations will go to one of seven feeder outlets in the UK, before entering Europe on their way to help Ukraine.

For those in Congleton who want to donate, medical supplies are top of the list.

Whether it is first aid kids, thermal kits or plasters. They are urgent for those that are injured in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

When asked about the secret of the smooth operation and how he feels about it, Mark said: "We've just got on with it."

Mark's mum Lynn added: "We've had shed fulls of donations and ran out of places to put them. I said to 'Mark I'm fed up with this, but I'd rather put up with this than what they are putting up with'."

Due to the generosity of our town, the donation point is currently no longer able to take clothing or blankets.

The current list of items are:

• Toiletries
• Nappies
• Wipes
• First Aid Supplies
• Food
• Torches with Batteries
• Sanitary Towels

Drop off times are seven days per week 10-4pm.

Their address is Rotary Club, Glebe Farm, Peel Lane, Astbury, Congleton CW12 4RQ, and you can find them to the right of the entrance to the Glebe Farm carpark.

Mark also encourages anyone who is travelling to the continent, and has a truck that isn't full, can come here to pick up more supplies.

Congleton Town Hall even sent their donations to the Glebe Farm drop-off point, as Mark and his mum can distribute supplies better.

Rob Lomas of Glebe Farm, who has kindly let his land is host the drop-off point said: "It is just something that has to be done, doesn't it?"

Congleton: You can contact Mark Bailey on 07722 008421.

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