A KIND-HEARTED dad has been moved to tears after delivering clothing, toys and food to Ukrainian orphans.

Knutsford plumber Mike Hankey travelled to a former hotel turned orphanage near Warsaw, home to 700 children displaced as a result of Russia’s invasion.

The 50-year-old, from Davenham, was one of six volunteers who made the 3,000 mile mercy mission.

“It tugged at my heartstrings,” said Knutsford born Mike, who has two grown up daughters.

“I found it hard to hide my emotions.

Knutsford Guardian: The orphanage looks after 700 children The orphanage looks after 700 children

“I couldn’t imagine the horror these children had witnessed. Their stories were harrowing.

“A lot of their mothers were snatched in front of them by Russian soldiers and their fathers have been fighting on the frontline.”

The children ran out to greet Mike and the team when they turned up with much needed medicines and supplies.

The lads played football with the children, communicating through an interpreter.

“The kids were so excited,” said self-employed Mike, who worked for Cranford Build for nine years after serving his apprenticeship.

“You could see the joy in their faces, it was lovely.

“They couldn’t communicate with words but their expressions said so much.

“They were so grateful for everyday items like clothing and toys.”

Knutsford Guardian: Mike Hankey, second from right, with volunteers, orphanage staff and member of Polish LionsMike Hankey, second from right, with volunteers, orphanage staff and member of Polish Lions

Despite a huge effort from Polish volunteers, the orphanage was struggling to feed the sheer number of children, many of whom were sleeping on mattresses on the floor.

The volunteers now plan to return to the orphanage called Ossa, between Warsaw and Poznan, in August.

The lads are working with Orphanage Support Services Organisation and The Lions Club in Warsaw.

“This trip has changed me completely,” said Mike, whose wife Clare works as a nurse at Northwich Infirmary.

“It has really hit me. I left wanting to do more.

“We are not a charity, just a bunch of lads who got together and we are all giving up our own time.

“I couldn’t just come home, do nothing and carry on as normal when I’ve seen the desperation.

“Every penny we raise will go towards our mission to help these children."

Knutsford Guardian: Don Harkness playing football with some of the childrenDon Harkness playing football with some of the children

The volunteers have been overwhelmed by the generosity of residents across Knutsford and Northwich.

Local businesses Priory Car and Van Hire, Amber Cars, the Northwich branch of Santander and Tesco and Crosstown Club have donated funds.

The lads are now appealing for sports equipment and money towards the next trip.

“We’ve been inundated with donations of clothes and food from the local community,” said Mike, who became reunited with his friend Don Harkness, who used to live in Knutsford, to organise the trip.

“We are looking for any outdoor sports equipment, off the shelf medicines and toiletries. Anything children aged three to 17 may need.

“Our main aim now is to ensure we have the finances to make another trip to deliver them.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/lads-for-Ukraine For further details call Mike on 07801 702022 or email lostock89@icloud.com