Kevin and Ruth McCann will mark their golden wedding anniversary year with a difference - by heading to Poland to help refugees from war-torn Ukraine.

The Ashton couple might be in their 70s, but the sprightly pair intend to drive to Poland next month with a van-load of vital donations before remaining there for around five days to provide humanitarian help.

Having entitled their mission ‘Pensioners to Poland’ they are now appealing for donations to take before setting off on their mission on Easter Monday.

Kevin, 72, explained they are no strangers to humanitarian work, having undertaken extensive charitable work through the Church of the Nazarene in Ashton.

However, their mission this time is an independent one although they will be collecting aid and monetary donations for their trip at the church before they go.

“We are appealing for essential items that are really needed like medicines, first aid kits, nappies and personal hygiene products,” said Kevin.

A van for the trip has already been kindly donated by another church, but monetary donations for fuel and costs for the trip will be gratefully received.

The couple celebrate their golden wedding anniversary later this year but both believed it would be something different as well as a selfless way to help others to mark their special year.

While in Poland helping they intend to spend the five nights or so sleeping in the van so that they won’t be depriving any refugees of any accommodation they might need.

“We have budgeted for the trip,” they said.

The Church of the Nazarene, based at 230 Stamford Road Central, will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5 and 6 from 10am to 3pm and on Friday, April 8, between 6pm and 8pm to receive donations for the trip.

The couple, who recently helped with donations to the Waterloo News Facebook team and Emma Jones’ mercy mission to Poland, will be loading up the van on Easter Monday ready to depart.

You can find out more about the couple’s decision to head out to help on The Reporter Show on Tameside Radio 103.6FM at 7pm on Thursday (31 March). 

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