Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martin Roberts is delivering supplies to help refugees fleeing Ukraine.
The TV star, 58, has bought loads of supplies, which he hopes to donate at the Ukrainian/Polish border in the next 24 hours.
Martin’s act of kindness comes after he filmed himself outside a Costco this weekend, explaining that he felt helpless amid the crisis that has seen over 1.5million Ukrainians fleeing their homes since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the attacks.
The presenter broke down in tears after he tried to buy medicines like Calpol, but wasn’t able to due to limits on how many items could be purchased.
He said in his emotional video that he was ‘at a loss in terms of what I can do to help what’s going on in Ukraine.’
‘So I’ve come to Costco and I’ve just been buying lots of things like Pampers, kids stuff, Tampax and other bits and pieces.
‘Things for kids because it’s the kids, you know, [they’re] everything.’
He was able to buy some more medicines thanks to strangers in the queue but has since taken matters into his own hands by embarking on the trip in his VW van.
He’ll travel 1,270 miles over 22 hours with his ‘precious and much needed cargo’ to Medyka, describing himself as ‘one man on a mission.’
Offering an update to his Twitter and Instagram followers, the BBC star explained: ‘Thank you for all your kind messages after my Costco experience. They meant the world. Things have moved on. Quite dramatically 😂 Please join me on a very special trip…’
He then added: ‘A lot has happened since my last tweet outside Costco and, just to reiterate, I wasn’t crying because I couldn’t buy Calpol, I was crying because of the kindness of strangers and also the general situation.
‘And I admit it I am an emotional mushbucket.’
Martin went on to reveal that he was sitting in his van after being asked by a charity in Bournemouth to join their convoy and ‘take loads of supplies to quite literally the front line.’
So, after stocking up his van until it was fit to burst, he’s hoping to have ‘a chance to see where this stuff goes and make sure it goes to the right places.’
Saying he just wants to do his ‘bit,’ he continued: ‘I am not doing this for any other reason other than me wanting to do what I can and at the end of the day, in this case I am not a celebrity, I am a man with a van.’
Martin has been inundated with messages of praise and support, including from fellow TV stars, and promises to keep his followers updated on the progress.
Presenter Lucy Alexander commented on his Instagram post: ‘Good luck matey 🙌❤️’
‘Nice one Martin, doing some good work 👌🏼 best of luck and stay safe,’ said another follower.
‘This is wonderful. 👏 Wishing you a safe journey’ said one fan.
He joins the multitude of celebrities and public figures showing solidarity with Ukrainians, with the likes of Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis pledging to match millions of dollars in donations.
The UN estimates more than four million people will be forced to cross borders to keep their families safe from Russian bombs and rockets.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has said this is the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War.
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