Weston generosity helps Ukrainian war veteran regain mobility

by Paul Howe

A Ukrainian war veteran who lost both legs in combat has been given a new chance at independence — thanks to the efforts of a Weston fundraiser, a local mobility supplier and a volunteer who regularly drives humanitarian aid to the front line.

The veteran told volunteer driver Norbert Istvan Fejes that his greatest wish was for a mobility scooter adapted for someone with double lower-limb amputation.

Within weeks, that wish became reality.

Norbert, who lives in Weston-super-Mare with his Ukrainian wife Iryna and their young son, regularly transports medical supplies, ambulances and essential equipment to Ukraine. On each journey he drives aid vehicles across Europe, delivering vital supplies directly to affected areas before returning to the UK via Poland.

During one recent trip he met the young veteran who had lost both legs in the war — a meeting that stayed with him long after he returned home.

Back in Weston, Norbert approached local fundraiser Mike Barclay, who has spent the past two years raising money and collecting medication for Ukraine. Despite being in his 80s and using a walker himself, Mr Barclay has completed a number of sponsored walks to support the cause.

Together they visited Dalesway Mobility, a Weston supplier of mobility scooters and equipment.

After hearing the story, the company made an extraordinary decision — donating a brand-new power chair free of charge for the injured veteran.

Norbert later transported the scooter across Europe along with other humanitarian supplies and personally delivered it to the young man in Ukraine.

Speaking about Norbert’s work, Mr Barclay said:

Norbert and his wife Iryna have supported Ukrainian communities since the beginning of the war, organising collections of medication and essential supplies locally before transporting them by aid vehicles and ambulances to areas in need.

For the young veteran, the scooter represents far more than transport — it represents independence, dignity and the ability to rebuild life after devastating injuries.

Mr Barclay added:

“It shows what can happen when local people come together. One conversation led to one donation — and that has changed a young man’s life.”

Although Dalesway Mobility preferred not to seek publicity for their gesture, they were described as “immediately compassionate” when approached.

The humanitarian effort continues, with further collections of medication and essential supplies now underway in Weston