A Harrow businessman is driving to Poland to drop off supplies and support Ukrainian refugees following the Russian invasion of the country.

Paolo Arrigo, who runs Franchi Seeds of Italy in Harrow, said he “had to do something” after watching the events in Ukraine unfold. 

He and his friend, Ali Fawzi, set off from North West London on Tuesday evening, embarking on a 16-hour drive to Lublin, Poland near the Ukrainian border. 

The pair are taking first aid kits, radios and trainers to support those affected by the war, as well as blue and yellow tape – the colours of the Ukrainian flag – to help soldiers identify one another.

They then intend to bring back those who have fled the conflict, with the offer of reuniting them with their family in countries like Germany and Belgium, which they will drive through on their way back to the UK.  

Paolo said: “I can’t watch it on the telly anymore, I had to do something. 

“The whole thing is horrible. It isn’t right. This is a war on European soil – I’m a British-European and I believe in working together, looking forward and not back.

“How much of a difference will it make? Nobody actually knows. But I just felt as if I had to go out there.”

Paolo said he is not too concerned about the dangers he might face as he does not intend to go into the war zone.  

But he explained his wife, and some of his friends, are a bit anxious, and he has packed specialist helmets and bulletproof vests just in case. 

Ali also has experience of serving as a cadet in the 201 Harrow branch of the Royal Army Medical Corps. 

He said: “I’m not too worried. It’s probably just the adrenaline and the distraction which means I can’t really think about it.

"Of course there is always the thought of ‘what if it spills over?’ but I’m no hero, I just want to help.”

Paolo said several people he has spoken to about the situation are also keen to help out, and he believes there will be many more undertaking similar journeys to his and Ali’s. 

He said: “I really think this is the start of a convoy. I can see lots of others doing the same – it’s like Dunkirk.  

People have been asking about how to buddy up to make things a bit easier, the Ukrainian community in London have been very helpful.

Paolo plans to come back on Friday (March 5), but he said he is willing to stay and extra day “if things look particularly bad” in Poland. 

He said: “I’m taking time off work that I don’t really have in full seed season. I’m meant to open on Saturday but I’m sure my customers will understand if I have to stay longer. This is too important.”

Harrow Council has issued information about how residents can support Ukraine, including details of charities to which they can donate.  

Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said: “On behalf of Harrow Council, elected members and the people of Harrow I want to express how deeply saddened and shocked we are by the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“As the conflict and violence escalates our thoughts are with those affected by these terrible events. Harrow is a diverse and welcoming borough and home to many faiths, races and backgrounds – we stand ready to support those fleeing the conflict and persecution, as we did last summer for Afghanistan.”