At 80 years old, Krishan Pillai wasn’t planning any extraordinary adventure. Fresh off a round of golf, a friend’s mention of delivering aid to Ukraine struck a deep chord. Despite the risks of entering a war zone, Krishan felt compelled to act. When he shared the idea with his wife, Dr Mary Pillai, she agreed without hesitation. Together, this couple from Charlton Kings, married for 50 years, found a renewed purpose—helping Ukrainians fight for their freedom.
Motivated by reports of the devastating impact of the war, especially on children, and the inspiring resilience of the Ukrainian people, Krishan and Mary packed their lives into a pickup truck and set off. They had no prior experience with humanitarian missions or connections to Ukraine—just an urgent belief that doing nothing was not an option.
Joining forces with Pickups for Peace (P4P), a charity founded in early 2023, the Pillais have helped deliver hundreds of pickup trucks stocked with essential supplies. Since its inception, P4P has sent nearly 800 vehicles filled with aid. These trucks aren’t mere transport; they symbolize hope, resilience, and solidarity. Along the route, Ukrainians wave flags and greet convoys warmly, viewing the UK as a steadfast supporter.
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Their journey spans approximately 1,700 miles from their home through western Europe to Lviv, Ukraine. The logistical challenges are immense—navigating foreign roads, overcoming vehicle breakdowns, and crossing borders into a conflict zone. For example, once Krishan lost a front wheel traveling at 80 mph on a Polish motorway. Despite such setbacks, they persevere.
The aid includes generators, power banks, laptops, winter clothing, and other survival tools—but never military weapons. These 15–20-year-old 4x4 pickups, often with over 150,000 miles, quickly reach the front lines for medevac and supply missions, frequently destroyed in months. Insurance and breakdown cover don’t extend into Ukraine; hence, police escorts provide critical protection.
Though western Ukraine feels relatively safe, tensions escalate in the East. The Pillais bear witness to the war’s heartbreaking toll during visits to the Field of Mars in Lviv—a cemetery now holding those lost in this brutal conflict. Each grave reminds them of the profound human cost, a generation shattered and families left to mourn.
For Krishan personally, these trips have been healing. Battling anxiety in recent years, the missions restored his sense of purpose and calm. Mary manages the complex logistics, while Krishan handles fundraising and problem-solving. Together, they finance their journeys largely out of pocket, hoping to inspire donations to fund more aid convoys.
Their motivation is clear: to leave a legacy of action and compassion for their grandchildren. They echo the sentiment that evil prevails when good people do nothing. The war is not distant; it threatens the heart of Europe’s stability. Ukraine’s fight is vital—not just for its people but for the continent’s future.
Though their efforts are but a small ripple in the vast ocean of conflict, Krishan honors what P4P and countless volunteers have accomplished in just over two years. Their upcoming winter convoy will expose them to the harsh conditions Ukrainians endure daily—power cuts, freezing temperatures—but they remain undeterred.
Each 4x4 they deliver is more than a vehicle; it is estimated to save at least ten lives. These trucks play a crucial role in modern warfare, supporting soldiers on foot and defending against drone threats. Will they make more trips? Health and finances will decide, but their ultimate hope is to return to Ukraine someday not with aid, but with peace.
For now, Krishan and Mary press on—sharing their story, rallying support, and proving that action, no matter your age, can change lives. Their journey embodies the belief that doing is stronger than intending, inspiring others to stand with Ukraine.