A personal trainer from Reading has helped deliver vital aid to civilians in Ukraine caught up in Russia’s illegal invasion.
Nick Tenconi, 38, has lived in Reading since 2012, and is also a life and mindset coach and an England Boxing coach.
He teamed up with Vans Without Borders, a humanitarian group set up in March last year to deliver essential aid to the frontline areas of Ukraine, such as The Donbas.
“I am friends with the founder, Jack Ross, and was lucky enough to be offered to join the team,” he said.
“We deliver a variety of essential aid comprising non-perishable foods, medical supplies like crutches, sanitary products and anything which people from the UK have donated such as warm clothing and day-to-day items.”
Mr Tenconi said the journey was hellish and there was a threat of danger throughout.
“For me, it’s a challenge and therefore exciting and creates growth and development,” he explained.
“To others with a different mindset, it would promote fear of course. However, it was the atmosphere of threat that was the most palpable.
“The checkpoints, the security measures, the atmosphere of panic, the power blackouts, the uncertainty of survival, the overhead missiles, the sirens, the curfew, the breaking news of where next is to be targeted… and that was all before the frontline.”
The team flew into Krakow, and then had an 18-hour bus journey to Vinnytsia.
“Border control is very thorough, but I wouldn’t say it was any more intimidating than other parts of the world I’ve crossed the border in,” Mr Tenconi said. “I noticed groups of youths very excited to be returning to Kyiv which was tremendous to see and really brought home the magnitude and consequence of war, displaced families being a main by-product.
“As for being on the frontline, for me, I felt safe and ready for what may come, but I realised that was instilled as a result of witnessing the bravery of the locals we were delivering to.
“They cried at times but for the most part, they were stoic and the children smiled. The sound of bombing, cars crashing from people trying to evacuate the hot zone areas, the tanks rolling past, the soldiers carrying rifles, the checkpoints, the burned-out cars, the overturned vehicles, the decimated buildings: they all contribute to creating an atmosphere of heartbreak more than fear.”
The team helped hundreds of civilians during their trip, and Mr Tenconi said he didn’t speak Ukrainian, so couldn’t have in-depth conversations. However, he was still able to understand what he saw.
“I would say that the Ukrainian people’s spirit is unbreakable and this as such gives them the edge, as it would do any populous fighting regardless of military superiority,” he said. “The soldiers we met and spoke with were confident, mentally robust and physically prepared. They truly are heroes.
“Vans Without Borders has also managed to create relationships with specific battalion commanders to ensure they are getting everything they need also in terms of aid.
“Most recently, and on the tour I joined, the specific team were explosives experts offering their unique insight into ‘behind enemy lines tactics’ and counter-terrorism strategy. I was also there personally in a professional capacity to advise the Ukrainian army on their fitness regime and add value where possible to help ready troops as much as possible for combat.”
Mr Tenconi was there for a fortnight last month.
Describing the return home, he said: “On the day you pack up to leave there’s a feeling of humility and gratefulness but also in describing the journey home I am again reminded of the gruelling nature of being awake for up to 36 hours, whilst traversing train stations, running for taxis, negotiating your way out of a war-torn nation and generally being on high alert constantly while having your wits about you, your luggage and other teammates safety in mind.
“From the front line in Slovyansk to Krakow airport (950 miles) is gruelling, as you would expect.
“You also don’t know when you’re going to eat again due to supply shortages, stores being destroyed or having no power or having to change course or evacuate an area.”
Vans Without Borders is active on social media including Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/vanswithoutborders/
