Hi all,

As you may well know, a few weeks ago, on Sunday 6th March, we had a real push to ask for specific donations of items to be taken to the clubhouse, and we also at the same set up a fund raising page.

Our aim was simply to show our support to those still in Ukraine, as well as those who may need support in the neighbouring countries that they have fled to from the worst affected parts, where the fighting and bombing is at its worst. This initiative was driven by Jo Robinson, one of our parents in the Junior section, who had been talking to Natalia Ovchinnik, who son Alex has been playing for Barnes for some years, and is currently in our Under 14’s. Whilst Natalia and her son were in the UK, her husband Andriy, had returned to Ukraine to visit his mother, and became embroiled in the war once it started, and was unable to get back home to the UK.

As always, cometh the hour cometh Barnes RFC, and the Barnow massif rallied quickly, with little notice, to support both the Ovchinnik family, and Ukraine as a whole. The clubhouse was full of vital medical supplies, drugs and bandages, which were calmly packaged in labelled boxes and then collected by a convoy of vans. In addition, you raised over £11,000 on the Just Giving page, an outstanding effort all round.

Once again, Barnes RFC members and friends went above and beyond when asked to do so. I know that Natalia and Andriy, and their Barnes Colts son Alex, are all very grateful for that support, and I am delighted to tell you that Andriy has made it back home.

There are so many people to thank here: Jo Robinson, who raised this with me initially, all of the Minis and Juniors section - who got behind this immediately. On the day itself, there was so much support from across the whole club, pitching in at the clubhouse to help sort, pack and carry the mountain of items that arrived at our home during the day.

Whilst I can’t mention everyone, a special thank you to Dave Doonan, for his brilliant logistical organisation and labelling skills, and Zoe and her mum Abby for looking after all comers.

Rich Fenech was also there on that special day in March, and was so inspired by what he saw, and heard, that he has recently been on his own journey to Ukraine to take aid with a bunch of ex-servicemen, and he has not only been delivering vital medical supplies, but also has been helping set up facilities for refugees around the Polish border. His emotional account, sent earlier today, is also attached. It is remarkable in its own right, and I am sure I can persuade him to write a piece for the website next week where he can share more of his personal experiences from this trip. He is returning to Ukraine at the end of April.

In summary, I am always proud of what Barnes RFC do on, and off the pitch, and what was done on this day, and the efforts of so many, is another one to notch up of great achievements by club.

Thank you so much to everyone involved, you know who you are, you are all such special people.