Punching Above the Line: British and Ukrainian Boxers Fight to Deliver Ambulances to the Frontline

Jan 27, 2025

A unique Boxing event is taking place to raise funds and awareness to support Ukrainian Frontline Brigades with life-saving ambulances and equipment. 

The event on Friday, 31st January at the Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham has been organised by Paul Lysaght of Durham based Go The Distance CIC (GTD) in partnership with the Ukrainian Boxing Association. Paul has more than 40 years’ experience in sport and leisure, and he is also a qualified boxing coach at England Boxing. Proceeds from the event will enable the charity organisers to purchase essential medical evacuation vehicles, including ambulances, to save lives on Ukraine’s frontlines.

Fellow organiser Dr. Anatoliy Telpov is a doctor in the Emergency Department of South Tyneside District Hospital, and he has first-hand experience of delivering ambulances to Ukraine. Now living in Backworth but originally from Ivano-Frankivsk, in Western Ukraine, Dr. Telpov has personally delivered ambulances from the UK to the Polish border, where they were handed over to Ukrainian military representatives.

“Transporting these ambulances to Ukraine has been one of the most meaningful contributions I’ve made to my homeland,” said Dr. Telpov. “These vehicles are not just transportation—they are mobile lifelines, bringing hope and urgent care to injured soldiers. Without them, many would not survive the critical window after an injury. This is why the proceeds from this event are so vital.”

Dr. Telpov explained the process: “The ambulances we deliver are immediately deployed to high-need areas. These are vehicles designed to move quickly and navigate rough terrain, stabilising patients and transporting them to field hospitals or safer medical facilities. Every vehicle has saved countless lives, but they face immense challenges in active combat zones, which is why replacements are urgently needed.”

Other items will also be sourced from the fund raiser including 4×4 pickups, quadbikes, and critical medical equipment to support six Ukrainian frontline brigades. Ambulances, however, are the backbone of the initiative. They provide a crucial link between the battlefield and hospitals, where timely medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Each ambulance will be equipped with vital medical supplies, including trauma kits, stretchers, and blood transport coolers, ensuring that injured soldiers receive immediate, stabilising care.

Dr Telpov explained how critical it was to get injured soldiers help as soon as possible. “The golden hour—the first hour after a serious injury—is critical. These ambulances ensure that soldiers are moved from the frontlines to medical facilities within this window, dramatically improving their survival rates. Without ambulances, these heroes risk succumbing to injuries that could have been treated,” he emphasised.

Due to the intensity of the conflict, many ambulances are destroyed while performing their life-saving missions. This makes continuous replacement and supply essential to the ongoing effort to save lives hence the pair’s dedication to fund raising. 

As an experienced boxing coach, Paul felt that the sport would be a good way to bridge the two countries and raise funds at the same time.

 “Boxing is more than a sport—it’s a tool for transformation and resilience. This event is not just about raising funds; it’s about creating lasting impact. By providing ambulances and medical supplies, we are giving Ukrainian soldiers a fighting chance to survive and return to their loved ones. These ambulances are literal lifelines.”

As well as an evening of boxing between top level Ukrainian and British athletes, the event will feature Irish dancing, a magician and a charity auction. 

The event will welcome guests, including local MP’s, Anzhela Makeieva, Deputy Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine and Oleg Ilchenko, President of the Ukrainian Boxing Association.

Tickets for the event are available through Paul at GTD. Tables of 10 are available, with special group booking offers. Contact Paul at 07429156163  Donations can also be made through the event’s GoFundMe page, and contributions of auction or raffle prizes are warmly welcomed. www.gofund.me/df6486eb

The ambulances and equipment will be sent to 3rd Tank Brigade,38th Marine Brigade, 30th Mechanised Brigade, 110th, Mechanised Brigade, 58th Motorised Brigade and 102nd Territorial Defence Brigade – all on the frontline. 

Ends 

Photo: Dr Telpov (grey jacket) and Paul Lysaght at Ramside Hall (Steve Brock Photography) 

Photo: Dr Telpov and Paul Lysaght in the boxing ring. (Steve Brock Photography) 

PR and Media keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951 

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