Moray mourns Ukraine fighter

More than £1200 has been raised in less than 24 hours in memory of a man who's been killed in Ukraine.

Serhiy Matvieiev, who has close relatives staying in Dufftown, lost his life over Christmas.

A supermarket worker before the Russian army invaded last February, the 33-year-old took up arms in order to defend his country.

He was killed while fighting in the Donbas region of Ukraine after being hit by shrapnel.

Serhiy's sister-in-law and her daughter have been left distraught by his death.

Since May the pair have lived alongside the family of Dufftown resident Andy Harrold.

Andy has launched the appeal in an attempt to buy a 4x4 vehicle.

Inscribed with Serhiy's name, it will be driven across to Ukraine.

Andy said: "His death has brought home just how senseless and terrible this invasion is.

"Our intention is to send Serhiy's spirit back to his comrades on the front line to help them with their fight against the Russian invaders.

"We intend to purchase a 4x4, or if finances allow us, an ex-British military vehicle.

"We'll fill it with essentials like a personal generator for re-charging electronic devices and drones, cooking facilities, sleeping bags, clothing, food, specialist military first aid kits, water filtration devices, and anything else we can pack in.

"We're looking for local businesses and individuals to either donate money towards the costs involved, or to provide equipment that would be useful."

Find the appeal HERE

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