**Cafe Owner Delivers Aid to Ukrainian Troops**
Pete Masters, a cafe owner from Hereford, is not spending Christmas with his family this year. Instead, he’s on his way to deliver supplies to soldiers in Ukraine.
Masters has been helping troops in the Donetsk region since 2022, when the conflict with Russia began. On Sunday, he set off for the area for the tenth time. He takes warm clothing like socks, gloves, and hats that have been donated by locals in Hereford.
**Helping Those in Need**
Masters donates 50p from every coffee sold at his cafe to help buy supplies and fund his trips. He’s driven by a sense of duty to help those who are struggling. “It’s -10 over there,” he said, “so anything I can take to the troops that’s clean, new, that doesn’t smell, is great.”
**A Personal Commitment**
Despite the risks involved, Masters has promised himself he wouldn’t go back to Ukraine again. But he couldn’t leave the troops without supplies. He wears a bulletproof vest for protection and delivers the aid in his bag.
**A Long History of Helping**
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to most parts of Ukraine, including the Donetsk region. On a previous visit, Masters had a close call when a rocket struck as he was leaving the front line. However, he remains determined to help those who need it most.
**Returning Home for Christmas**
Masters is confident that he will soon be back in Hereford for a late Christmas with his family. “Something always brings me home,” he said, reflecting on his past experiences.