A TEMPO woman who is planning to drive a repurposed ambulance to war-torn Ukraine said "confidence and courage" will see her through. 

Isabella Langham, who resides at Tempo Manor, is currently fundraising for a daring mission that will see an SUV repurposed into an off-road ambulance for use on the front lines. 

She is hoping to raise £6,000 that will cover the purchase of the vehicle, conversion and additional expenses of the trip, which will take her from London to Mykolaiv, Ukraine this summer. 

"The endeavour is really quite simple," said the Tempo woman. "Once the SUV has been purchased by our sourcing team in London, I'll fly over to collect it, and set off for Ukraine.

"Once in Ukraine, I'll drive to Lviv, then to Mykolaiv. In Mykolaiv, the team will then spend three days converting the SUV into an off-road ambulance and getting it ready to be used on the front line. 

"There I'll stay the three days while it gets converted, then drive it East. 

"I'm not sure where I'll be delivering it yet, as that will be decided closer to the time, but I'll give the key myself into the hands of the Ukrainians.

"After this, they will drop me to a train station, and I'll make my way back to Poland, then hop on a flight home. It will take about 10 days from start to finish."

Ms. Langham will complete the pursuit through Mission Ukraine, a volunteer organisation that delivers aid to war-torn parts of Ukraine. 

She said that inspiration came from hearing of the plight of Ukrainians, who are "still suffering" two years into the conflict, with "little resolution in sight".

And while for many, such a mission would bring fear, dread and worry, Ms. Langham said she is "more excited than scared".

"I get asked a lot, aren't you scared of the dangers?" she said. "To be honest, I'm most nervous about driving on the opposite side of the road!

"Maybe when I get closer to the trip, I'll be more nervous about the risks, but at the moment I can't say it scares me that much.

"I won't go within artillery range of the Russians, and you get a lot of safety briefings from the charity before you go. I'm more excited to do the journey than scared.

"My knowledge of car engines is limited, so I suppose I am nervous in case it breaks down, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. 

"I have been told that the biggest risk is mines, but if you just stick to the road you're pretty safe."

When asked what skills will be required on this most treacherous mission, Ms. Langham said that "common sense" and "being a half-decent driver" will be essential. 

"I suppose the main skill you need is to be a half-decent driver so you don't crash the SUV before you get there!" she said.

"I think a lot of common sense will also come in handy, as you'll need to have your wits about you when driving through Ukraine.

"I think anyone can do this type of thing, and I wish more people did.

"All you need is the confidence and courage to get up and actually do it, because it is a big undertaking. I have a lot of admiration for anyone who has done it already."

Ms. Langham added that if the ambulance helps one person in Ukraine, the entire endeavour will be worthwhile. 

"The vehicle is going to be used on the front line as an off-road ambulance, so hopefully it is going to be out there, saving lives. 

"Vehicle shortages are a big problem in Ukraine and, given the situation, it is difficult and expensive to source them over there.

"£6,000 is a lot of money to raise, but in the grand scheme of things, it's not a lot of money for what it's going to achieve. 

"If it only helps one person, I'd say that's money very well spent."

In aid of her fundraising efforts, Ms. Langham will hold a pub quiz in Blakes on May 3. She would also like to hear from any businesses that are interested in sponsorship. 

To donate to Ms. Langham's fundraising efforts, see https://tinyurl.com/jrs2j7wu.

Alternatively, those wishing to donate can contact her directly on 07783610863.