THE MP for Vale of Clwyd, Dr James Davies has welcomed all efforts in the region to help those in Ukraine, and is encouraging people to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Humanitarian Appeal launched yesterday (March 3).

Since Russia launched a full-scale invasion into Ukraine on February 24, people across the Vale of Clwyd have rallied to respond to the escalating humanitarian situation both in the Ukraine and in bordering countries.

Dr Davies has been moved by the level of support in the constituency and wishes to thank all those who have helped collect, as well as those who have donated, for Ukraine.

This week, he visited Clarence Medical Centre in Rhyl to drop off some items and to thank staff there for all the supplies they have gathered and are sending to the Ukraine borders.

He said: “The surgery have managed to collect a substantial supply of goods which are desperately needed in Ukraine and I thank those who organised the collection as well as those who have generously donated.”

Senior Partner at the practice, Dr Simon Dobson, said: “The surgery has been touched by the immense suffering of the people of Ukraine.

“I would like to thank all the staff who contributed, special thanks to Nurse Practitioner Linda Hughes Roberts who coordinated our efforts.”

The Apple Cart in Prestatyn, Y Shed in Meliden, TK Maxx and Voel Coaches in Dyserth are among others who have been collecting donations.

Dr Davies added: “The response locally for donations for the people of Ukraine has been remarkable.

“I am aware there will be many more out there and I want to thank each and every organisation, business and individual that is taking action to assist.

“(Vladimir) Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the suffering it has caused has horrified us all and I am not surprised that so many people want to do something to help.

“As well as local collections, there are many national appeals which I encourage people to donate to.

“This week saw the launch of the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Humanitarian Appeal.

“At Ukraine’s borders with Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova, huge numbers of people are arriving with only what they can carry.

“DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance.

“HM Government will match pound-for-pound the public’s first £20million to this appeal and look to increase this over time.

“This is the Government’s largest ever aid-match contribution.

“I encourage people to donate via donations.dec.org.uk or through The British Red Cross website (www.redcross.org.uk).”

“It’s a tense, dangerous and distressing time for the people of Ukraine and it is vital that we all do whatever we can to protect them.”

Earlier this week, Dr Davies attended a ceremony at Parliament, held to reflect on the situation in Ukraine. This was led by the Speaker’s Chaplain.

After the event, Dr Davies joined other MPs in signing a book of solidarity. This will be sent to Ruslan Stefanchuk, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament of Ukraine.