FORMER MP Jack Lopresti has taken on a new role with a charity helping wounded Ukrainian war veterans.
Mr Lopresti, who lost his Filton & Bradley Stoke seat in July after representing the constituency since 2010, has been appointed patron of the Ukrainian Action Heroes rehabilitation programme.
The initiative aims to help wounded Ukrainian veterans recover and reintegrate into society by teaching them to ski and snowboard in the Ukrainian Carpathian mountains.
Ukrainian Action is a London-based UK charity and US non-profit organisation “dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine”.
Mr Lopresti has visited the country several times since its invasion by Russia, both before and after the end of his time as an MP.
The charity said his commitment to supporting Ukraine, both militarily and with humanitarian aid, “aligns closely” with its mission.
Mr Lopresti said: “It is a huge honour to be asked to take up this position and a privilege to support the fantastic work Ukrainian Action does in the support, care and rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian veterans.”
Ukrainian Action co-founder and chief executive Jeffrey Hartman said: “Jack brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our charity, and we are honoured to have his support in advancing our efforts to aid Ukraine during this challenging time.
“We are confident that Jack’s leadership and commitment will greatly enhance our impact in supporting Ukraine and its people, particular the veteran community.”
Mr Lopresti, who lives in Almondsbury and served with the Territorial Army in Afghanistan in 2008-09, promoted efforts to repurpose vehicles taken off the roads due to London’s ULEZ emissions scheme for use as ambulances and command vehicles in Ukraine.
He drove a donated vehicle from London to Kyiv with Ukrainian Action in August.
Ukrainian Action has taken 64 humanitarian aid convoys from the UK to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022, delivering more than 300 vehicles, including pick-up trucks and ambulances, carrying medical supplies, protective clothing, educational material and power generators.
It has raised more than £4 million to support its work to date.
The Ukrainian Action Heroes programme aims to restore veterans’ emotional well-being, improve their physical health and help them reintegrate into civilian life.
Mr Hartman said: “The primary goal is to help veterans and their families overcome stress and psychological trauma through participation in a variety of therapeutic, physical, and recreation activities, including learning to ski and snowboard.
“The program also emphasizes reconnecting with nature in the scenic and serene Carpathian Mountains, to find inner resources for recovery.”
For more information about the charity and its activities, visit www.ukrainianaction.com.