Two old friends with deep local ties and long-standing military service are once again stepping up to help those in need. Michael Tulloch from Mere and Jeremy Moger from Hazelbury Bryan – who first met at Naval College before both joined the Army – are heading to Ukraine this spring in support of the charity Pickups 4 Peace.
Mike says: ‘Jeremy and I had heard a couple of talks given by people who have taken part in the Pickups for Peace (P4P) programme, and with a connection to a Ukrainian refugee, we were inspired to do something to try to to help.’
The small charity was established in 2023 with the aim of providing equipment and humanitarian support to Ukraine in the form of much needed 4×4 pickup trucks loaded with medical and other essential supplies. As of February 2025, P4P has delivered 525 vehicles fully loaded with vital equipment.
The second-hand pickup trucks packed with essential supplies are delivered directly to the Ukrainian Army. Once handed over, the vehicles are used to transport vital equipment to the front line and to carry wounded soldiers back for medical treatment.
Michael and Jeremy have been working hard to raise funds to buy a Ford Ranger and ensure it is fully loaded with urgently-needed supplies, including generators, medical kits, spare tyres, engine oil, tools and ratchet straps.
The five-day, 1,300-mile journey to Ukraine will take them from Dorset through France nd Germany – with a pause to visit Colditz Castle, the Second World War prisoner of war camp which they’ll be driving right past – before continuing through Poland to their final destination in Lviv.
They friends have been well supported by local businesses, saying much of what they are taking has been kindly donated by local firms including Martin Richards Agricultural Engineers, C J Cox Ltd, Kings Stag Garage, Harts of Stur, R F Stratton & Co, Crockers Ltd, Hillbrush of Mere, Jeans Electrical, TJS Services Centre Ltd and Gillingham Tyre Services. Michael and Jeremy are also hugely grateful for the individual, personal donations that have helped make the purchase possible – and are hoping that with continued support they may be able to fund and deliver a second vehicle later this year.
To donate, visit the OPs for Peace JustGiving page
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