Handmade candle stoves to be delivered to Ukraine

A man who makes temporary stoves out of candles for people in Ukraine is heading to the war-torn country to deliver his creations.

Retired silversmith Mark Stevens, from Ludlow, Shropshire, collects candles from churches and shops and makes the stoves himself, boxes them up, and sends them to the front line via other organisations that support Ukraine.

On Saturday he is travelling to the country in a truck towing a caravan, alongside volunteers from Cheshire-based Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid.

"There is a need for caravans in Ukraine for soldiers coming off the frontline and for emergency accommodation, I'm also taking a lot of candles," Stevens told the BBC.

"I've had feedback about the candles," he said, "they've been a big help to both the military and civilian people."

He added: "To get feedback like that is wonderful, it means it's worthwhile - and the vehicle will be worthwhile to the people of Ukraine."

Earlier in the year, Stevens appealed for donations of candles to make the stoves, and was inundated, with help coming from as far as Belfast and Scotland.

"The stoves provide heat and light, the stoves can be used for cooking," he said.

"There are tents set up outside buildings where they cook food for people because they've got no power."

Stevens said he had also been donated a brand new generator from a woman in Shropshire that he would give to people in need in Ukraine.

He has already travelled to the country four times to make donations.

"It just brings a light to me, it's a joy when I get feedback from people saying: 'Thank you for helping me, thank you for helping us, we are not alone.'"

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