A headmaster has offered the gift of music to those affected by the war in Ukraine by donating dozens of ukuleles.
Tom Rogerson, headteacher of Cottesmore preparatory school near Horsham, drove to the Polish-Ukrainian border as part of a humanitarian aid project, taking essential items in a school minibus for people affected by the ongoing Russian invasion.
He was joined by Martin Binyon, an old friend with who he formed a band at school, and the pair also took 40 ukuleles stuffed full of sweets to give to people in Ukraine.
It took three days to drive to the border gate, where they were welcomed with open arms by UK charity Siobhan’s Trust.
Tom handed out the instruments to people at a border crossing before finding a local arts centre, used to offer children music lessons.
He gave several of the ukuleles to volunteers, so children waiting to be relocated can leave with an instrument after learning how to play.
Tom said: “It was wonderful that the ukuleles were taken on by a creative arts centre near the border. We also gave them to individuals in the temporary shelter.”
He thanked GAK (Guitar Amp and Keyboard Emporium) in North Road, Brighton, for providing all the instruments.
“They made the Ukes for Ukraine idea come to life,” Tom said.
Max McKellar, managing director of GAK, said: “Tom’s dedication and proactiveness has to be admired.
“Obviously, the war in Ukraine is awful for everyone involved, you can’t imagine how destabilising and traumatising it must be for the people, especially youngsters who have had their education interrupted and their lives turned upside down.
“Sending over 40 ukuleles is the least we can do. I hope it can bring a little bit of light relief in a time of extreme darkness for the people of Ukraine.”
More than eight million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion last year, the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War and its aftermath.
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